This free course is for adults who want to pursue a career in social care, whether that be in a care home facility or in-the-home settings. If you pass the course successfully, you will be given a guaranteed interview with a local employer.

This course is also available for care organisations to upskill their existing staff, or to train new recruits before they begin their employment.

This short, practical course provides the skills, knowledge and confidence to begin working in health and social care settings. You’ll benefit from expert training and employability support.

The course is 3 weeks long and you will attend 5 days a week from 9am-5pm.

This course is run in partnership with Department for Education, Skills for Life and Mayor of London. It is funded by the UK Government.

Study Mode Full Time
Suitable for Adult Full and Part Time
Duration 15 days

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Sector Overview

North London's Residential Healthcare Sector is a vital part of the broader UK care market, serving an ageing population with increasing demand for elderly care, dementia support and assisted living.
The region hosts a mix of independent providers, charitable trusts and large care groups offering services ranging from basic residential care to specialist nursing and dementia care.
London has around 1,242 care homes, which is roughly 9% of England’s total. North London employs around 60,000–70,000 people in residential care settings, including carers, nurses, support staff and administrators.
Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for this course are:
- You must have the right to work in the UK
- You must be a London resident
- Aged 19 or over on 31 August 2025
- Be ready to gain employment in the Healthcare Sector.
- Have a reasonable level of English
What will I study?
This course consists of the knowledge required for the Care Certificate:
- Understand your role
- Your personal development
- Duty of care
- Equality and diversity
- Work in a person-centred way
- Communication
- Privacy and dignity
- Fluids and nutrition
- Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disability
- Safeguarding adults
- Safeguarding children
- Basic life support
- Health and safety
- Handling information
- Infection prevention and control
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed via:
- Written tasks
- Practical activity
- Work experience assessment
To complete the full care certificate you will need to be assessed once employed.
Enrichment
The course will include
- Mock interviews
- Employer information sessions
Work Experience

For some of the employers, a short work experience opportunity will be offered as part of the interview process. This will be voluntary.
Progression Opportunities
The completion of this course will allow you to progress onto:
- Employment in the Residential Healthcare Sector
- Progress onto a full Level 2 qualification
Alumni

Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. Last year 95% of adult learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an Apprenticeship.