Professionals in Health and Social Care make an invaluable contribution to the welfare of society and gain a huge amount of pleasure and satisfaction from their work. If you seek a fulfilling and challenging career, then John Ruskin College's Health, Care and Early Years Department offers all you need to gain the qualifications to succeed.
In our society children are high on our agenda. The Government’s aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need. If you are seeking a rewarding career in child care then the BTEC in Children’s Care Learning and Development is for you.
The Health, Care and Early Years Department aims to provide you with a foundation for life-long learning, and a richer and fuller life through effective communication skills.
We will support you in the ability to think critically and analytically while promoting intellectual curiosity and appreciation of diversity.
Our courses of study have been especially selected to meet your career aspirations and are available at a level to suit your individiual needs.
This year sees the introduction of two interactive learning rooms. One will be in Early Years and the other a Health room. These rooms will allow you the hands on experience to try out new skills for yourselves, including the care of ‘Real Care babies’, blood pressure montoring and manual handling.
Health, Care and Early Years courses on offer:
(For more information on each course, download the relevant course leaflet)
- Foundation Learning Entry level - Vocational Pathway in Health, Care and Early Years
- Foundation Learning level 1 - Vocational Pathway in Health, Care and Early Years
- BTEC level 2 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning & Development
Area of Study: This course has five core units covering values and inter-personal skills, physical, social and emotional development and good practice in childcare settings. You can then specialise in three areas: Supporting Children’s Play and Learning; The Development and Care of Babies and Young Children under Three Years; Providing Support for Children with Disabilities or Special Educational Needs.
Work experience: 300 hours over the course of the year in different Early Years settings (over 2 days a week). - BTEC level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care
Area of Study: Working in Health, Social Care and Early Years, Caring Skills, Life Stages and Cultural Diversity and Individual Rights.
Work experience: In a nursery, residential care home or day centre is an important part of this course (60 days over the period of the course). - BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning & Development
Area of Study: Communication, Equality and Rights, Safety and protection of Children, Childcare Practice and more. You will gain a licence to practise but can progress to HE to study for teaching and nursing.
Work experience: 800 hours in blocks of 3 weeks and 2 days a week in 4 different Early Years settings. - BTEC level 3 Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care
Area of Study: Communication, Equality and Rights, Development through Life, Children and Young People; all related to working as a social worker or residential care manager.
Work experience: 100 hours in 2 or 3 settings, 1 day a week (to be achieved in Year 1).
The programme will widen your Higher Education opportunities and will enhance your career prospects.The college already has links with numerous employers via the work experience programme i.e. care homes, nurseries, hospitals etc, who offer students a range of experiences in each of the sectors. All learners on all programmes will participate in work experience to apply theory to practice.
Please see entry requirements for each level. In addition, when you apply to the College you will have an initial assessment and interview so we can make sure that the level of course is right for you.
An enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau check) is a mandatory requirement under legislation for anyone working with children or vulnerable clients. All learners within the department are required to undertake a CRB check at the start of their course.
What opportunities are open to you as a Health and Social Care or Early Years student?
Higher Education links:
- Visits to Higher Education providers
- Bridging courses to Higher Education
- Progression agreements with Higher Education providers for progression to nursing programmes and social work
- Visits from Higher Education providers to assist with UCAS applications
Employer Links:
- Residential placements for selected students
- Workplace visits eg Mayday Hospital, Community Care Live
- A range of placements include: Specsavers Croydon, Wolsey Infant School, Hall Grange (Residential Home), Abacus Childcare Settings, St Giles Special School, Surestart Centres.
- Visits to professional exhibitions and conferences
- Guest speakers
Curriculum Enhancement:
- There may be an opportunity for you to add further qualifications to your BTEC course e.g. First Aid, Nutrition Awareness, Workplace Hazard Awareness and Employability Skills
- CV and Career Development
ALL COURSES CAN BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE