Introductory Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 1


  • Start Date: 01/09/2025
  • Course is for: School Leaver
  • Course Length: 1 Year
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Designed to be taken over one year, this course gives learners the opportunity to develop a range of skills in the health and social care sector. It will support their progression into an apprenticeship or on to further study.

This is a qualification which will support the development of transferable skills and behaviours needed to progress to either further study or employment.

The course will be delivered in a practical way to develop knowledge, understanding and transferable skills.

Alongside the course you will be able to develop your maths and English skills as well as valuable employability skills.

You will have the opportunity to visit health social care settings as well as support our charity enterprises.

1 Year Programme

There units you will study are below

Unit 1 – Being Organised – we will learn about the key techniques which help us to organise our work and priorities as well as manage time.

Unit 2 – Developing a Personal Progression Plan – we will develop the skills and behaviours needed to progress to the next stage in our learning, identifying the progression opportunities and creating a plan.

Unit 3 – Working with Others – we will develop essential communication skills whilst problem solving in a team to work effectively together.

Unit 4 – Researching a Topic – we will develop the skills necessary to plan and carry out research into a given topic before presenting the findings.

Unit 5 – Finding out about Health and Social Care Services – we will find out and present information about different types of health & social care services and how they meet the needs of individuals

Unit 6 – Communication Skills for Health & Social Care – we will develop verbal and non-verbal communication skills which will support us in a range of settings.

Unit 7 – Making Healthy Snacks when Caring for People – we will develop skills in preparing and making healthy snacks when caring for different age groups.

Unit 8 – Advising Others about Healthy Lifestyles – we will select and prepare information to promote healthy lifestyles and present the information.

Unit 9 – Providing a Creative Activity when Caring for People – we will develop skills in setting up and running a creative activity for a group of individuals  with health or social care needs.

Unit 12 – Visiting a Health & Social Care Setting – we will visit some different health or social care settings to develop our knowledge of working practices.

Required Entry Qualifications

You should have studied for GCSEs and are likely to have a range of these at grades 1-3.

Alternative qualifications acceptable at the discretion of the Curriculum Leader.

You will require a DBS check before you are able to go into a placement setting.

You will be assessed though a range of different methods including  carrying out practical tasks, role plays, presenting information, keeping records and producing handouts. You will be able to work towards pass, merit or distinction levels as your confidence increases.

The teaching team is very supportive and will encourage you with your learning whilst developing your skills.

There will be an opportunity as part of your course to visit some settings to develop your skills and if appropriate will be able to spend some time putting your understanding and knowledge into practice.

You will need to provide files and paper to take notes and prepare your assignments . You will need a tunic for visiting placement settings but it may be possible to borrow one from the college.

This qualification will prepare you for further study at a higher level in health & social care subject to satisfactory attendance and performance. In addition, the transferable skills developed will support study in other areas or moving into the work place settings.

Stationary materials for study.

You can get a uniform tunic for placement but this may be borrowed from the college.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026