Introduction to Health & Social Care
COURSE

Introduction to Health & Social Care

Start Your Journey into Care with this Introductory Tailored Learning Programme

The Introduction to Health and Social Care programme is designed for individuals who want to develop an understanding of the Health and Social Care sector and explore careers supporting adults, children and vulnerable individuals within a range of care settings.

This programme provides a supportive introduction to Health and Social Care, helping learners build confidence, awareness and the essential knowledge required when working in care environments. It is ideal for learners with little or no previous experience, or those considering a future role in health, social care, support work or community services.

Throughout the programme, learners will develop essential knowledge and awareness including the principles of person-centred care, communication skills, safeguarding, professional boundaries, equality and inclusion, and the responsibilities of care workers. Learning focuses on real-life situations, helping learners understand how care and support are delivered in a variety of health and social care settings.

This course is particularly suitable for:

  • Individuals interested in careers in Health and Social Care
  • Aspiring support workers or care assistants
  • Individuals returning to learning or work
  • Learners exploring progression into Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 Health and Social Care qualifications

By the end of the programme, learners will have a clearer understanding of Health and Social Care roles and feel more confident in their ability to support others effectively, either through further training, volunteering or employment pathways.

All Upcoming Courses

Introduction to Health & Social Care

Course Overview
  • Safeguarding Adults
  • The Prevent Duty
  • The Mental Capacity Act
  • Awareness of Depression
  • Understanding Dementia
  • Dementia and Communication
  • Duty of Care
  • Duty of Candour
  • Supporting Adults with Learning Disabilities
  • Moving and Handling in Adult Care
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Diabetes Awareness
FUNDING CRITERIA

This course is fully funded through Gloucestershire Adult Education and is available free of charge to eligible learners.

To be eligible, learners must:

  • Be aged 19 or over on 31 August 2026.
  • Live in Gloucestershire.
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK.
  • Meet the residency requirements for publicly funded adult education.
  • Be able to benefit from the learning programme.

Our team will check eligibility and provide Information, Advice and Guidance before enrolment.

Progression opportunities

Learners can access up to 4 First Steps programmes as part of a planned learning journey. For example, a learner may complete:

Introduction to Supporting Teaching and Learning → Introduction to SEND Support → Introduction to Health & Social Care → Preparing to Learn

Each course helps learners build confidence, develop new skills and make informed decisions about future career and learning pathways.

You can progress into a Level 1 or Level 2 in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care.

The programme also includes a guaranteed job interview with one of our partner employers.

Qualification Reference Number (QRN)

N/A

Total qualification time (TQT):

24

Guided learning hours (GLH)

24

Accreditation

N/A

Mode of Delivery

Online

Entry requirements:

  • Be aged 19 or over on 31 August 2026.
  • Live in England (please check if funding is available in your area).
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK.
  • Meet the residency requirements for publicly funded adult education.
  • Be able to benefit from the learning programme.

Mandatory Units

15 CPD Units

Assessment

Online Interactive quiz

Real Work Environment (RWE)

Not required