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IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.

Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings is a vocational course which will provide you with a pathway to either pursue a career in Health and Social Care or work with children. 

This course is knowledge-based, alongside a work placement, and the opportunity to practice health and safety in our hospital simulation room (e.g. understanding and practising handwashing techniques, appropriate use of PPE, assessing risks).


What will I study?

  • Understand the range of service provision and roles within health and social care (adults, and children and young people), early years, and childcare
  • Understand the principles and values in health and social care (adults, and children and young people), early years, and childcare
  • Introductory awareness of health and safety in health, social care, and children’s and young people’s settings.

This course is knowledge-based, but you will be required to attend 30 hours of work placement towards the end of the course to demonstrate appropriate behaviours and skills required by the sector to support progression onto the next level.

Please note: This course does not confer competence or licence to practice.

  • Entry requirements
    • 4 GCSEs grade 2-9 including English Language and Maths
    • A successful DBS check (this must be completed by the end of September).

    If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment. Please contact our Admissions Team for further details:

    Applicants aged over 19
    If you don't meet the listed entry requirements, you may still be accepted with relevant experience, a strong portfolio, and a commitment to the subject.

  • Assessment

    Your assessment will consist of internally assessed tasks using a range of methods, which may include written assignments or tasks, such as designing a leaflet or booklet, charts or diagrams, or setting up an information board, and you will also be assessed in English.

    You must be successful in all components to achieve this qualification, and and will be graded as achieved or not yet achieved.

  • Progression
  • Careers
  • Qualifications gained
    • Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings
    • NCFE CACHE
  • Additional costs

    At West Notts College, our students benefit from excellent facilities and equipment across all campuses. However, some courses require students to purchase specific tools, equipment, or specialist clothing to fully participate in practical learning.

    Visit our kit lists page to see what clothing and equipment you’ll need, and start preparing for your studies in September.

    Visit the kit lists page

  • Studying Healthcare and Health Sciences at West Notts College

    Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Why choose us?

Excellent student support services

We’ve got a great student support network offering advice and guidance on careers and future employment, finance, health and welfare, additional learning support and much more.

Getting here couldn’t be easier!

Whether you travel by bus, train or on foot there are many different transport options available. You can also unleash your freedom with the West Notts College Travel Scheme which provides a flexible and great value bus travel service.

Campuses across Mansfield and Ashfield

We have eight campuses each boasting a number of state-of-the-art facilities.

Strong industry links

We’re always investing in college facilities to make sure you have access to the most up-to-date, industry-standard equipment. Our strong links with employers means you can secure work placements as part of your wider learning – providing you with vital industry experience and employability skills, getting you ready for the world of work.

Tutors who really know their industry

Most have worked in the industry they're teaching, so you'll learn the skills employers are looking for. They'll support and encourage you to achieve the best results possible.

LGBTQ+ celebration

We proudly celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity, including Pride. Our college is a supportive community that welcomes and embraces individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Healthcare and Health Sciences in the News

  • 6 March 2026
    Ben Toule (centre), head of the Gene Haas Centre for Advanced Manufacturing, proudly accepts the award for Best Skills Provider from Discover Ashfield board members Cllr Matthew Relf, executive lead member for growth, regeneration and local planning at Ashfield District Council (left), and Martin Rigley OBE, chief commercial officer at Devtank.

    College celebrates multiple wins at Discover Ashfield Awards

    Read more

  • 5 March 2026

    Former student-turned-teacher celebrates 100th birthday at college

    Read more

  • 3 March 2026

    Lives of top creatives inspire next generation of artists

    Read more

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