Pathways to Care - Level 1
Start Date: 1st September 2026
- Length 36 weeks
- Study Full-Time
- Location Carlisle College
Qualification Gained
Level 1 Pathways to Care (Certificate in Skills for Employment and Personal Development)
Levels ExplainedMore about the course
This qualification provides pathways into the sector for school leavers or anyone considering a career in Health and Social Care or Childcare.
The course has an optional placement element and this will take place in the third term in either a Health and Social Care or a Children's and Young People's setting, therefore, you will gain hands on experience within a professional setting.
It will provide an opportunity for learners to develop knowledge about the wider sector before they decide whether working in the sector is for them and gain information to make decisions about career progression.
This Course has been designed to develop the skills you need to work in Health and Social Care or Children’s and Young Peoples settings. Vocational units prepare you for employment and develop your subject knowledge.
Entry requirements
- 2 GCSEs grade 2/1 (E-G)
including
- English and maths
Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.
What will I achieve?
Upon successful completion of this course you will achieve a Level 1 Certificate in Skills for Employment and Personal Development.
What will I learn?
- Drug awareness
- Healthy Living
- Communication
- Health and Social Care
- Teamwork
- Equality and diversity
- Exploring an Occupational Sector
- Caring for babies
How is the course taught?
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Group sessions
- Assignments
- Workshops
- Individual research
- Classroom based activities
- Portfolio work
- Practical work experience
- One-to-one tutorials
- Group tutorials
How am I assessed?
- Portfolio of work
- Written assignments
- Observations
- Presentations
- Mandatory work experience
Work experience opportunities
You will take part in a mandatory work placement of 52.5 hours and be supported to find a suitable placement provider.
English and Maths
If you do not hold English and/or math GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you will be supported with dedicated lessons to help you achieve these qualifications.
Where can I progress?
On successful completion of this course, you can progress onto the Level 2 Pathways to Care, specialising in either Health and Social Care or Early Years
Alternatively, you can progress onto an NVQ Level 2, either via an apprenticeship scheme or through employment, or you can enter employment in a variety of work settings.
Course Costs
If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.
Get in touch
Health and Social Care
Gallery
Meet the Care Team
Vicky Johnston
Head of Curriculum for Care ServicesI have been at Carlisle College for 12 years. I started as in Early Years Level 3 course tutor, I then went on to be Quality Manager, Curriculum Team Manager for Health, Care and Services, and am now Head of Curriculum for Care Services. I am also a safeguarding officer for the department and the college's wellbeing ambassador. In industry, I have worked in a variety of roles including a Nanny and Community Nursery Nurse, before going on to own and manage my own nursery for 12 years. I was also an OFSTED inspector in Early Years. I love my job because I can help learners achieve their goals and every day is so different!
Vicky White
Science Tutor within CareI am a Science lecturer within the Care department. I teach on Access to HE Health, Level 3 Health and Social Care, and GCSE Biology. I have worked at the college for 12 years, and have over 15 years of teaching experience, having been a Science teacher since 2009. I have also previously worked in a Microbiology food testing laboratory. One thing I love about my job is getting students to where they need to be.
Jo Knighton
Early Years TutorMy career experience has been within early year settings working with children between the ages of birth – five years old. As a nursery practitioner I enjoyed developing relationships with children and their families, to help support their learning and development, I found this really rewarding. It was a natural progression for me to then move into management, enabling me to lead staff and create a safe, stimulating environment for the children. Academically, I have a BA (Hons), Early Years Professional Status (EYFS) and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). As much as I enjoyed working within the industry, I also wanted to be able to pass my knowledge on to our learners and inspire the next generation of practitioners.
Georgina Robinson
Early Years Tutor / AssessorI am an Early Years Tutor/Assessor and have been working at Carlisle College for 18 months. I have experience as a Special Attachment Welfare Assistant, Teaching assistant, Nursery Manager, Yoga Teacher, and Mum! One thing I love about my job is the variety, no two days are the same!
Suzanne Sunderland
Early Years TutorI have been part of Carlisle College for 10 years in a variety of teaching and assessing roles. I currently teach Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years Educator courses. Before working at Carlisle College I had a successful childminding business, was a deputy manager in a private nursery, and was an Early Years adviser for the Local Authority. I am passionate about developing outstanding experiences for young children and their families, to nurture learning and development. Through all my previous experience, I can pass on my knowledge to learners and inspire new practitioners.
Rachel Marshall
Progress Coach and Safeguarding LeadI have worked at the college for 14 years and I currently look after all the support needs for students in the Care department. This includes all safeguarding concerns both in the Care department and across the college. I also look after all of the care experienced/cared for students. One thing I love about my job is supporting the students with their wellbeing.
Mhairi Beattie
Early Years AssessorI've worked at Carlisle College since 2013 teaching and assessing across Early Years and Teaching Assistant courses. I started my Early Years journey as a nanny at home and abroad and also fulfilled roles as a play worker and childminder. I then went on to work as an Early Years NVQ Assessor and delivered vocational pathways in Early Years before coming to Carlisle College. One thing I love about my job is being part of the learner's journey and helping them grow.
Andrew Russell
Maths TutorI have taught Mathematics for 35 years in a variety of schools in the North East and have been teaching Mathematics at Carlisle College for the past 5 years.
Claire Goffin
Early Years TutorI have almost 30 years of experience in education. Starting out as a Teaching Assistant before completing my NNEB and qualifying as a Nursery Nurse. After a couple of years, I decided to complete my degree and gain Qualified Teacher Status. In my early career, I taught Early Years and KS1 before teaching KS2. I have been an Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion where I was DSL and SENDCo for a number of years. I worked within an academy as an Associate Headteacher across three primary schools - here I delivered the NPQML/SL courses. Finally, I have supported a school as an Acting Headteacher. I love education and I'm really passionate about it, particularly in ensuring that our next generation of educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need, both professionally and personally.
Chloe Notman
Health and Social Care TutorI have been working at Carlisle College since June 2024. I currently teach Steps, Level 2 Pathways to Care, and Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care. I have 9 years of experience in Health and Social Care, working in a variety of services such as learning disability, mental health, dementia, and day care services. I am a qualified Primary School Teacher. One thing I love about my job is watching students progress, flourish, and become more confident in their skills and abilities.
Danielle Lawrence
Access to HE: Humanities and Social Sciences TutorI have worked at the college for 4 and a half years in various teaching roles. Before coming to the college, I studies Criminology and Social Science at the University of Cumbria. One thing I love about my job is meeting all the students and seeing them apply and expand their knowledge.
June Abraham
Health & Social Care TutorMy background is within the NHS and Cumbria County Council. I qualified as a Registered Nurse in 1996 and worked on a busy Surgical Unit at the West Cumberland Hospital for 15 years before then moving on to a Rehabilitation Unit where I worked as a Senior Nurse. This then led me to work for the commissioning & development team within the Cumbria Primary Care Trust and Cumbria County Council where I worked within a team developing services for individuals with long-term conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Arthritis, Parkinsons, Motor Neurone Disease, etc. More recently I have worked at the Cumberland Infirmary on the Emergency Surgical Assessment Unit, which assisted me to update my clinical skills. Throughout my job as a Health and Social Care Tutor, my aim is to pass on my life and professional experience to the potential workforce of the future whilst continuously being taught new skills myself.
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Meet our Students
Millie Duers
Level 1 Pathways to CareI started my Pathways to Care course in September not quite knowing what I wanted to do. I found a work placement at Haltwhistle Nursery for one day a week and have really enjoyed working with young children even though it was not something I had originally thought of. My placement has let me try something new and helped me make a decision about my future career path. I now want to continue my studies in Early Years or as a Teaching Assistant.
What's happening?
June Open Event
Carlisle College
Tuesday 30th June 2026
4:45pm - 6:30pm
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