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Health and Social Care

Level 1 Certificate Health and Care GATEWAY

Your first step towards a career caring for and supporting people. If you want to work in a hospital, a care home or the community, this is where it starts. You'll learn how people grow and develop, how to communicate and support others, and how to keep people safe, all with support to build your confidence and a clear route to Level 2.

Apply or Enquire Book Open Event

Next Open Event · 10th September 4:30pm to 7:00pm

Admissions

Entry Requirements

What You'll Need

  • GCSE Maths or English at Grade 1 or above, plus one other GCSE
  • A genuine interest in caring for and supporting people
  • Successful interview with our team
You'll also keep building your Maths and English alongside your course, built into your timetable.

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Level 2 Level 2 Health and Social Care

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What You'll Learn

Learn What Caring for People Takes.

This course is a real introduction to supporting and caring for people. You’ll learn how people grow and develop, how to communicate well, and how to give person-centred support that puts the individual first. You’ll cover the things that matter most in care: safeguarding, infection prevention and control, and awareness of dementia and disability.

It builds the caring, patient qualities every good care worker needs, and gives you a genuine feel for the job. Alongside it, you’ll keep developing your Maths and English. By the end of the year you’ll be ready to step up to Level 2 Health and Social Care, or into an entry-level care role.

What You'll Cover

  • Human growth and development
  • Communication
  • Person-centred support
  • Service provision and roles
  • Dementia awareness and disability awareness
  • Infection prevention and control, and safeguarding
How You're Assessed

Assessment Methods

Coursework

Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.

Portfolio

Build a portfolio of evidence showcasing your skills and achievements throughout the course.

A portfolio of work, including posters, leaflets and written tasks. No exams.
Career Destinations

Where This Course Takes You

Care Workers and Home Carers

Up to £32,162
/year

Care workers and home carers attend to the personal needs and comforts of children, the elderly, the infirm and others with care and support needs (‘service users’) within residential care […]

Care Escorts

Average £12.39
/hour

Care escorts accompany and transport adults and children between their places of residence and other destinations and act as chaperones for under 16s engaged in theatrical, television and film productions.

Child and Early Years Officers

Up to £37,410
/year

Child and early years officers work with babies and with children up to 14 years of age (or 16 for those with special needs), providing support, help and advice to […]

Social Workers

Up to £50,411
/year

Social workers provide information, advice and support to those who are socially excluded or are experiencing crisis; they protect the welfare of vulnerable groups including children, young people, people with […]

Your progression pathway

This course Level 1 Level 1 Certificate Health and Care GATEWAY
Where next Progress on to Level 2 → Level 2 Level 2 Health and Social Care → Level 3 →
Our Facilities

Learn With Real Care Equipment

You'll learn in our modern Health Care Suite using real healthcare equipment, supported by tutors with real clinical and care backgrounds.

  • The Health Care Suite

    A modern training suite with real healthcare equipment, so you learn hands-on.

  • Tutors From Care and Clinical Backgrounds

    Learn from tutors who've worked in care and clinical settings themselves.

  • Skills Academy Extras

    Extra qualifications in First Aid, infection control and mental health awareness.

Health and Social Care Healthcare (7)
Health Care Suite · Real Equipment
Lucie-Mae

Lucie-Mae

T-Level Health

Student Voice

“

Doncaster College has been an amazing experience. I’ve learnt teamwork, problem solving, and gained real experience through work placements. The tutors and students are great, and it’s helped me get ready to study paramedic science at university.

Read more student stories
For Parents & Carers

Supporting Your Child's Journey

Mental Health & Wellbeing

College is a big change. Our wellbeing team is here for every student — whether they need someone to talk to, help managing stress, or ongoing support. No referral needed.

Wellbeing support

GCSE Support Built In

If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.

About student support

Real Career Prospects

These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.

See career options

Come to an Open Event · 10th September 4:30pm to 7:00pm

See the facilities, meet the tutors, ask your questions in person.

Book Your Place
For Careers Advisers

Quick Reference Guide

Level

Level 1

Duration

1 Year

Study Mode

Full-Time

Awarding Body

NCFE

Entry

GCSE Maths or English at Grade 1+, plus one other GCSE

Assessment

Coursework + Portfolio

Age

16+

Ready to Start in Care?

Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Apply online Book Open Event

Questions? Call 0800 358 7575