This Foundation Learning course is designed to give you a solid grounding in health and social care in order to progress to Level 2. You will learn about job opportunities in health and social care, personal care, managing your health at work, promoting healthy eating, the physical care of children aged 0-3, children's learning, self-assessment and positive attitudes. Work experience forms part of the course.

Key course features

Qualification: You will take the BTEC Certificate in Health and Care in September, then progress to the BTEC Certificate in Caring for Children from January.

Level: Level 1

Mode: Full-time

Timetable: This is a full time programme of study of under 15 hours per week. You will receive your timetable when you enrol.

Start Date: September 2013

Fees:

Home fee for 2012-13 £1434 including tuition and exam fees. Students aged 19+ will pay college registration and materials fees.

The course may be free if you are:

• aged under 19
• aged 19+ and in receipt of an active benefit (eg JSA or ESA)
• aged 19+, unemployed and in receipt of a means-tested benefit (eg income support), and you are doing this course to improve your employment prospects
• aged 19-23, have not taken this course before, don't already have a Level 2 qualification and aim to progress to Level 2.

Please see our Fees and Concessions page or call 020 8326 2015 for further details.

Who is this course for?

Young people aged 16-18 with few qualifications.

Entry requirements

None, but you will have an assessment. If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

All students must undertake work experience in a care/childcare setting as part of this course in order to be able to progress to Level 2. Work placement settings require students to obtain a DBS check to demonstrate that they are suitable to work with vulnerable people and/or children. Students must be aware that if information about previous criminal convictions, cautions or warnings is contained on their disclosure certificate, they will be unable to undertake work experience. For any queries please contact the Curriculum Team Manager for Health and Social Care for advice.

About the course

You will study the following units.

Health and social care units:

• Personal care in health and social care
• Job opportunities in health and social care
• Promoting healthy eating in care
• Leisure and creative activities for adults in care.

Childcare units:

• Creative activities for young children
• Planning for physical and emotional care needs of children
• Encouraging children to eat healthily
• Valuing children as individuals.

The units are delivered in a variety of ways which are both fun and interesting. As part of the course you will also be working towards functional skills in both English and maths.

You will take the BTEC Certificate in Health and Social Care from September, then progress to the Certificate in Childcare in January.

Additional opportunities

You will take part in practical activities such as making snacks and physical activities, go on visits to places of interest and benefit from guest speakers. You will also attend a 2-week work placement in a childcare or health and social care setting.

How will I be assessed?

Throughout the year you will be given written assignments for each unit and a placement report on completion of your work placement. The written assignments vary and may include posters, leaflets or essays.

Where next?

If you successfully complete all the modules and receive a good reference from your teachers and your work experience placement, you can go on to Level 2 Childcare or Level 2 Health and Social Care or an apprenticeship in the industry.

How to apply?

To apply, please click the "Apply Now" button and fill out the online application form. An advisor will be in touch regarding interview dates.