Level 1 Diploma in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings 2025-26

Interested in working alongside caring for young children? This introductory course is the perfect starting point!

Taught at our Peterlee campus, you'll gain an understanding of the skills required to work in a range of different care settings with children and young people.

You'll also learn about the care values and the range of job roles which are available in each sector.

Learners will also have the opportunity to choose and access one care sector placement for work experience.

You will cover a range of topics in both mandatory and optional units some of which include, Principles and Values of the Care Sector, Equality and Inclusion, Communication, Human Growth and Development and Healthy Eating.

• Carer, Care Escort
• Care Home Manager
• Child Protection Officer
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
• Counsellor
• Learning Mentor / Life Coach
• Nursing
• Occupational Therapist
• Personal Assistant
• Support Worker
• Youth Worker

... and so much more!

On successful completion of the course you may progress from this Level 1 qualification to Level 2 Early Years Practitioner or Level 2 Health and Social Care.

Applicants require a minimum of three GCSE at 2-3 grade or above plus a good reference; one from school and one from a person other than a family member are also required. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the potential to act independently and safely; therefore all candidates must be interviewed, supply references and receive a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes, but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

Each unit is has specified learning outcomes. All learning outcomes must be achieved by a range of methods such as written tasks, posters and displays to gain a pass grade. You will build a portfolio of evidence that covers the criteria of the course.

September 2025

One year, full time.

This full time study programme courses may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.