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Health and Social Care Courses – Level 1 and Level 2 (Beginner to Intermediate)

Take the first steps towards a rewarding career in care with ELATT's free, fully funded Health and Social Care courses for adults in London, delivered live online and designed to fit around your life.

Overview

Build Towards a Career in Health and Social Care

Whether you are curious about the sector or ready to develop your skills for a care role, ELATT’s Health and Social Care courses give you a clear, supported starting point. These courses are designed for adults aged 19 and over, no formal qualifications needed to get started, and ESOL learners and learners from all backgrounds are warmly welcome.

Level 1 is an introductory course that covers the adult social care sector as a whole. You will explore the values and principles of care work, the roles and responsibilities of care workers, and key topics including communication, safeguarding, equality and diversity, and person-centred approaches. It is designed for adults with no prior experience who want to understand the sector before committing to further study or a role in care.

Level 2 builds on that foundation and prepares you to work in adult social care settings. You will go deeper into topics including duty of care, safeguarding adults, health and safety, and professional practice. At Level 2, you will also complete a minimum 100-hour work placement in a care setting, where you will develop practical confidence and demonstrate the experience that employers look for.

Both courses are delivered entirely online through live, tutor-led sessions, so you can study from home without commuting. Sessions are taught in small, supportive groups by experienced tutors who understand the challenges adult learners face, whether you are balancing work, childcare, or other commitments.

Throughout the course, you will take part in workshops, discussions and practical activities to help you apply your learning to real-life situations. You will also develop digital skills and confidence through collaborative and community-focused tasks.

Courses are fully funded for eligible adult learners in London through ELATT’s charity funding, there are no course fees for eligible learners. By the end of your course, you will hold a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE qualification and be ready to take the next step, whether that is further study, a traineeship, or your first role in health and social care.

If you don’t have prior experience, don’t worry!
We offer preparatory courses and support to help you build the foundational skills needed for Level 3.

Alongside your vocational course, you will also have the opportunity to earn additional free qualifications to strengthen your CV and employability. These are matched to your level and confirmed after a short skills assessment when you join. They may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development and Digital Skills. Not everyone will study all four. Your programme will be tailored to what you need. For more details, visit the Adult Study Programme page.

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Course Details

Levels 1 and 2

Beginner and Intermediate

Current Page
12 - 16 Weeks

Duration

3 - 6 Hours

Hours per week

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime hours

TBD

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

  • This course introduces you to the adult social care sector and gives you a solid grounding in how care settings work and what it means to be a care worker. You will cover:
  • The range of roles and settings in adult social care.
  • The values and principles that guide care practice.
  • Roles and responsibilities of care workers.
  • Communication in care settings.
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • Safeguarding awareness.
  • Person-centred approaches to support.
  • Health and safety basics.
  • Professional behaviour and boundaries.

Entry Requirements

  • Aged 19 or over (adult learner).
  • Interest in working in health or social care.
  • Suitable for ESOL learners at Entry Level 3 and above.
  • No formal qualifications or prior experience in care are required. ESOL learners are welcome, if English is not your first language, speak to our team at enrolment and we will make sure you are placed on the right level.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • NCFE CACHE
  • Qualifications
  • NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
16 - 18 Weeks

Duration

TBD Hours

Hours per week

TBD

Daytime hours

6.00pm - 9.00pm

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

  • At Level 2, you will develop practical knowledge of adult social care and prepare for a working role in the sector. Mandatory topics:
  • Duty of care and professional responsibilities.
  • Person-centred approaches in care settings.
  • Safeguarding adults.
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion in practice.
  • Communication and record keeping.
  • Health and safety in care settings.
  • Working in partnership with colleagues and others.
  • Professional boundaries and confidentiality.
  • Managing and recording information safely and confidentially.
  • Your own personal development and growth in a care role.
  • Work/Industry Placement Experience

You will also complete a minimum of 100 hours of work placement in a care setting. Your ELATT tutor will support you throughout.

Entry Requirements

  • This course is designed to be accessible. You will need:
  • Aged 19 or over (adult learner).
  • Basic English at Level 1 or above.
  • Level 1 qualification in a related subject is recommended but not mandatory.
  • Availability to complete a minimum of 100 hours of work placement in a care setting.
  • DBS check required before placement begins.
  • No prior experience in care is required, although it can be helpful. ESOL learners are welcome, speak to our team at enrolment about your English level and we will find the right starting point for you.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • NCFE CACHE
  • Qualifications
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care

Not sure which level is right for you?

Speak to an advisor to find your best starting point.

How You Will Learn

Our Health and Social Care courses are interactive, practical and fully supported:

Live online sessions:

Interactive classes delivered by an experienced tutor, accessible from home or anywhere in London.

Small, supportive classes:

A close-knit group, our tutors support your goals and help you progress.

Case studies and group discussions:

Apply your learning to real-life scenarios in adult social care settings.

Work placement (Level 2 only):

Complete a minimum of 100 hours in a care setting to build practical confidence.

Ongoing tutor feedback:

Regular guidance and support from your tutor throughout the course.

Careers and Employability support:

CV support, interview preparation and career guidance alongside your learning.

Both courses are delivered entirely online, so you can study from anywhere in London, no campus visits required.

These courses are designed for adults aged 19 and over at different stages of their journey. You do not need formal qualifications to get started, and we warmly welcome ESOL learners and learners from all language and cultural backgrounds. You may be a good fit if you are:

New to health and social care and want to explore the sector before committing to a longer course

Considering a career change into care work, support work or community services

A parent, carer or volunteer looking to build formal knowledge of adult social care

An ESOL learner ready to move into vocational study. Our tutors work in small, supportive groups and give you personalised support to help you succeed

Returning to education after a break and looking for a flexible, fully-online starting point

Progressing from another Level 1 qualification and ready to develop your knowledge further

For Level 1, no formal qualifications or prior experience are required.
For Level 2, a basic level of written English and availability for a work placement are the main requirements.
If you are unsure which level is right for you, speak to our team at enrolment.

A nationally recognised NCFE CACHE qualification

employer-valued, government-funded and free for eligible adult learners in London

Fully online, live and flexible

study from home around work, childcare or other commitments, no commuting required

Small, supportive classes with experienced tutors

personalised support from experienced tutors who are with you every step of the way

Wrap-around support throughout

careers guidance, wellbeing support and functional skills, all included at no extra cost

Progression and Career Opportunities

After Level 1, you can progress to:

  • Level 2 Diploma in Care at ELATT
  • Level 2 qualifications in Health and Social Care through other routes
  • Volunteering or entry-level support roles under supervision

After Level 2, you can progress to:

  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care at ELATT
  • Adult Care Worker Level 2 Apprenticeship
  • Specialist training pathways (for example, dementia care or mental health support)
  • At Level 2, you may also be eligible for entry-level roles in adult social care, such as:
  • Care Assistant
  • Support Worker
  • Home Care Worker
  • Community Support Worker
  • Day Centre Assistant

Career Potential

As a care assistant or support worker, you can earn up to £25,000 per year in London with experience.

  • Our qualifications are employer-recognised and designed to help you build a real career pathway in health and social care.
two-people-laughing-and-talking-in-park

Take the first step towards your health and social care career.

Apply now for a free, funded Health and Social Care course at ELATT, or speak to an adviser to find the right starting level for you.

Hear From Our Students

Meet Salma

Occupation: Office Administrator

This course has helped me a lot. Before I used to be worried about applying for work as I thought I would get rejected. Now I have much more confidence. I made new friends and I am able to communicate with others with greater confidence. I am now working in a job that I enjoy very much.

Salma

Student Projects, Showcases and Interviews

Return to Adult Courses

Hospitality and Catering - Level 1 Award

Hospitality and Customer Service - Level 2

What is the NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care?

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care is a nationally recognised qualification that introduces you to the adult social care sector. It covers the values and principles of care, the roles of care workers, communication, safeguarding awareness, and health and safety. It is a knowledge-only qualification, no work placement is required. It is ideal if you are new to the sector and want to explore whether a career in care is right for you.

What is the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care?

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Care builds on Level 1 knowledge and prepares you for working in adult care settings. It covers safeguarding, duty of care, person-centred approaches, health and safety, and professional practice. It also includes a minimum 100-hour work placement in a care setting. It is the next step towards the Level 3 Diploma.

Are the Health and Social Care courses at ELATT free?

Yes. ELATT's Health and Social Care courses are fully funded for eligible adult learners in London. As a charity, ELATT receives government funding to make learning accessible and remove financial barriers, so there are no course fees for eligible learners. In most cases, if you are aged 19 or over, live in London, and do not already hold a qualification at the same level or above, you will be eligible. Eligibility is confirmed at enrolment, and our team will walk you through this when you get in touch.

Can I study Health and Social Care at ELATT if I have a job or children at home?

Yes. Our courses are delivered entirely online through live sessions, which means you can study from home without travelling to a campus. We understand that many of our learners are balancing work, childcare, caring responsibilities or other commitments, and our timetable is designed with this in mind. Speak to our team at enrolment about session times to make sure the schedule works for you.

Do I need any experience or qualifications to enrol on a Health and Social Care course at ELATT?

No. No prior experience or qualifications in care are required for Level 1. For Level 2, a basic level of written English and availability for a work placement are the main requirements. A Level 1 qualification is helpful but not mandatory for Level 2. If you are unsure which level is right for you, our team will discuss this with you at enrolment.

Do I need to sit any exams for the Health and Social Care courses?

No. Both Level 1 and Level 2 are assessed through written assignments and portfolio building, completed as part of your course. There are no formal timed exams.

How long are the Health and Social Care courses at ELATT?

Level 1 is 12 to 16 weeks. Level 2 is 16 to 18 weeks. Both are delivered through weekly live online sessions.

I am an ESOL learner, can I do a Health and Social Care course at ELATT?

Yes. We warmly welcome ESOL learners and learners from all language and backgrounds. Our tutors are experienced working with diverse groups and deliver sessions in small, supportive classes where you will receive personalised attention. For Level 1, you will need English at around Entry Level 3 to follow the course and complete written work. For Level 2, a basic level of written English (Level 1) is needed. If you are unsure about your English level, speak to our team at enrolment and we will make sure you are on the right starting point, both for your care knowledge and your English.

Is there a work placement for the Health and Social Care Level 2 course?

Yes. The Level 2 course includes a minimum of 100 hours of work placement in a care setting. You will need to have a DBS check completed before your placement begins. Speak to our team at enrolment if you need guidance on finding a suitable setting. Level 1 does not include a placement, it is a knowledge-only qualification.

What jobs can I get after the Health and Social Care Level 2 course?

After Level 2, you can apply for entry-level roles in adult social care, including care assistant, support worker, home care worker and community support worker. Many learners use Level 2 as a stepping stone to Level 3, which opens up senior and specialist roles.

What can I do after completing the Level 2 Health and Social Care course at ELATT?

After Level 2, you can progress to ELATT's Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, which develops your skills further for senior and specialist care roles. You can also apply for entry-level care roles such as care assistant, support worker or community support worker while you continue your studies.

Is there any support beyond the Health and Social Care course itself?

Yes. Your course is part of ELATT's Adult Study Programme, which goes beyond teaching to offer wrap-around support throughout your learning journey. Alongside your course, you will study wraparound subjects matched to your level following your initial assessment. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development, or Digital Skills, and you will earn a recognised qualification in each. You will also have access to our Careers and Employability Service (CV support, interview preparation and one-to-one career guidance) and our Wellbeing Service (wellbeing workshops and support groups). Both are included at no extra cost.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now and start building your future with ELATT's Level 1 or Level 2 Health and Social Care course.

New courses coming to ELATT this September! We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, Health & Social Care, and Youth Work — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

Register your interest