About this qualification

The Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health and Social Care (Adults and Children and Young People), Early Years and Childcare (Wales) is suitable for learners who are working, or wish to work, in the health and social care and early years and childcare sectors.

This qualification:

• is aimed at learners who wish to develop an understanding of these settings before deciding whether working in the sector is for them
• allows learners to gain the knowledge, understanding and skills required for employment and/or career progression in the sectors
• allows learners to tailor their learning to their interests through the provision of a broad range of optional units
• provides opportunities for the development of transferable skills
• supports progression to Level 2 qualifications in health, social care or children’s settings
• provides learners with the opportunity to progress to employment, in due course, in a range of job roles in the care sectors.

This qualification is available to study in Welsh. Please see the Welsh translated qualification specification, which is available to download. There will also be the option to select the certificate language when claiming certificates via the NCFE Portal.

What is a nested qualification?

This qualification is nested. Qualifications within a nested suite allow learners to be topped up to a qualification that is the same level and subject within the Award, Certificate, Diploma structure. This can be done by self-service through the Portal. Qualification nests and top-up pricing can be found in our fees list.

Who is it suitable for?

Anyone considering a career in health and/or social care with adults or early years and childcare sectors.

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be age 14 or above.

How many credits are required to complete it?

12 credits.

How is it assessed?

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which could include: written assignments or tasks such as designing a leaflet or booklet, charts or diagrams or setting up an information board, direct observation or reflective practice.
The qualification will be pass or refer and all the assessment criteria for the chosen units must be achieved in order to obtain a pass.

Do you need to be working to take the qualification?

Learners do not need to be working as this is a knowledge only qualification.

How long does it take to complete?

You can usually complete it in a year or less.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

This qualification provides a stepping stone for those who wish to move into employment and complete either a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care or a Level 2 Diploma in Child Care.
It also provides a stepping stone to the All Wales Induction Framework for Health and Social Care and Early Years and Childcare, which is a mandatory part of employment in social care and early years settings in Wales.

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on the Funding page.