NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
COURSE

NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

An accessible introduction to the adult social care sector for those considering a new career path or returning to work.

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NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
This course is ideal for individuals seeking to understand the values, principles, and responsibilities involved in supporting adults within a care setting.

Through engaging online live sessions, learners will explore the core foundations of adult social care, including effective communication, professional roles, and the personal attributes needed to provide quality support. The qualification also helps learners build confidence, self-awareness, and transferable skills that can lead to further study or employment.

Learners will complete a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate their understanding across the following key areas:
  • Introduction to the adult social care sector
  • Values and principles of care
  • Skills and attitudes required to work in care
  • Communication in care settings
  • Roles and responsibilities of care workers
Upon completion, learners will be well-prepared to progress onto the Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care or move into entry-level care roles, supporting adults in residential, domiciliary, or community-based settings.

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NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care qualification provides learners with a comprehensive introduction to the Adult Social Care sector and the knowledge required to begin a career supporting adults in a range of care settings.

Through five mandatory units, learners will develop an understanding of the values, principles, responsibilities and professional behaviours expected of Adult Social Care workers.

Introduction to the Adult Social Care Sector

Develop an understanding of the Adult Social Care sector, the services it provides and the wide range of roles available. Learners will explore how care services support individuals to live safely, independently and with dignity.

Introduction to the Values and Principles of Adult Social Care

Explore the core values that underpin high-quality care, including:

  • Person-centred approaches
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Respect, dignity and choice
  • Rights and independence
  • Confidentiality and professionalism

Learners will understand the importance of placing individuals at the centre of all care and support activities.

Awareness of the Skills and Attitudes Needed to Work in Adult Social Care

Gain an understanding of the personal qualities, behaviours and professional standards required when working in care settings.

Topics include:

  • Professional conduct
  • Empathy and compassion
  • Reliability and accountability
  • Teamworking
  • Safeguarding responsibilities
  • Developing positive working relationships

Awareness of Communication in Adult Social Care

Effective communication is a fundamental skill for anyone working in care.

Learners will explore:

  • Verbal and non-verbal communication
  • Active listening skills
  • Communicating with individuals who have additional needs
  • Record keeping and information sharing
  • Maintaining confidentiality
  • Building positive relationships with individuals, families and colleagues

Awareness of the Roles and Responsibilities of the Adult Social Care Worker

Understand the responsibilities associated with working in care environments, including:

  • Duty of care
  • Health and safety
  • Safeguarding adults
  • Professional boundaries
  • Whistleblowing procedures
  • Working within policies and procedures
  • Supporting individuals to achieve positive outcomes

Learners who are referred by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) through the LVP-funded programme will complete an enhanced training package designed to prepare them for employment within the Adult Social Care sector.

Alongside the NCFE CACHE Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care qualification, learners will gain additional sector-specific training and employability skills valued by care providers and employers.

  • NCFE CACHE Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (65 GLH | Online)
  • Emergency First Aid at Work (6 GLH | Face-to-Face)
  • Anaphylaxis Awareness (2 GLH | Online)
  • Level 2 Food Safety (4 GLH | Online)
  • Mental Health Awareness (2 Guided Learning Hours | Online)
  • Moving and Handling People in Health and Social Care (3 GLH | Online)
  • Employability Workshop (6 GLH | Online)

Total Guided Learning Hours: 88

This enhanced programme provides learners with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to begin a career in Adult Social Care whilst gaining qualifications and training that are highly valued by employers across the sector.

FUNDING CRITERIA
UK Government

For learners living in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead, this qualification is fully funded through the Local Value Partnership (LVP), subject to eligibility criteria.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for this funded course, learners must:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Be referred through the Jobcentre
  • Reside in one of the following areas:
    • Slough
    • Windsor
    • Maidenhead

Exclusion criteria

Learners cannot enrol if they:

  • Are currently participating in the FedCap Restart Programme
  • Are unable to commit to the attendance requirements
  • Are not actively seeking progression into employment or further learning
  • Do not meet minimum digital or communication expectations

📞 Contact our team to check eligibility and secure your place.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria or are not referred through the Jobcentre, you may still be able to enrol on this course through self‑funding.

Please contact our team to:

  • Confirm the full course cost
  • Discuss payment options or instalment plans
  • Explore the most suitable route based on your circumstances
Progression opportunities

This programme provides an excellent starting point for learners looking to begin a career in the care sector.

Upon successful completion, learners may progress into employment within Adult Social Care settings or undertake further training to develop their knowledge and skills.

A natural next step is the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care, which builds on the knowledge gained at Level 1 and explores Adult Social Care practice in greater depth.

The Level 2 qualification develops learners’ understanding of:

  • Person-centred approaches to care and support
  • Safeguarding adults
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion
  • Health and safety within care settings
  • Communication in care environments
  • Duty of care and professional responsibilities
  • Supporting individuals with their wellbeing and independence

Progression to the Level 2 qualification can enhance employment prospects and support learners who wish to pursue roles such as:

  • Care Assistant
  • Support Worker
  • Home Care Assistant
  • Residential Care Worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Healthcare Support Worker

For learners new to the sector, this qualification acts as the first step on a recognised Adult Social Care career pathway, providing the foundation knowledge needed to progress into further training, employment and professional development opportunities.

Qualification Reference Number (QRN)

600/1213/4

Total qualification time (TQT):

60

Guided learning hours (GLH)

53

Accreditation

Ncfe CACHE

Mode of Delivery

Online

Entry requirements:

Aged 19+ (for funding purposes, however you can access this qualification from 14+)

Entry Level 3 English

Have Right to Work in UK

Resident in Slough (for funding purposes)

Mandatory Units

To gain this qualification, learners must achieve 6 credits from the mandatory units:

  • Introduction to the adult social care sector
  • Introduction to the values and principles of adult social care
  • Awareness of the skills and attitudes needed to work in adult social care
  • Awareness of communication in adult social care
  • Awareness of the roles and responsibilities of the adult social care worker

Assessment

The qualification will be assessed by your Tutor or Assessor using a range of methods. This could include tasks such as designing charts or leaflets, coursework or methods such as oral questioning.

Real Work Environment (RWE)

This is a knowledge-only qualification.