Year 12-13 Pathway

Unit in brief
Learners cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing.

Unit introduction
Health and social care practitioners need to develop a knowledge base for working with people in every stage of their lives, and they need to know how their own experiences relate to health and wellbeing. Although it is generally accepted that there may be deterioration in health with age following adulthood, medical intervention means people are living longer and have better life prospects. This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of patterns of human growth and development. You will explore the key aspects of growth and development, and the experience of health and wellbeing. You will learn about factors that can influence human growth, development and human health. Some of these are inherited and some are acquired through environmental, social or financial factors during our lifespan. You will learn about a number of theories and models to explain and interpret behaviour through the human lifespan. In this unit, you will explore the impact of both predictable and unpredictable life events, and recognise how they impact on individuals. You will study the interaction between the physical and psychological factors of the ageing process, and how this affects confidence and self-esteem, which in turn may determine how individuals will view their remaining years. This unit is externally assessed. It covers aspects of human growth and development through the different life stages. This content will serve as an introduction to health and social care needs and so will sit at the heart of the qualification.

Unit in brief
Learners explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations.

Unit introduction
This unit will help you to understand what it is like to work in the health and social care sector. When working for an organisation in this sector, you will have important responsibilities that you need to understand and carry out. These include maintaining the safety of and safeguarding individuals with health and social care needs, making sure that you properly handle their personal information and preventing discrimination towards them. You will need to understand how you will be accountable both to these individuals and the regulatory bodies that represent people who work in the health and social care sector. It is necessary for you to understand how your work will be monitored when you carry out a specific role such as nurse or social worker. You will begin by looking at the range of roles and general responsibilities of people who work in health and social care settings. You will learn about the organisations that provide services in this sector, and the different settings in which these services are delivered according to the needs of the service user. You will learn about the ways these services are provided and about the barriers that can prevent people from getting the services they need. As an employee of an organisation that provides services in the health and social care sector, you will have responsibilities towards people who seek information and advice, those who are being assessed and people who use services provided by or on behalf of your employer. You will also have responsibilities towards your employers, both as an employee and when you are undertaking specific duties on behalf of your employer. These organisations are regulated and inspected so you will also need to understand how inspectors and regulators monitor the work that you do. You will learn about working with people with specific needs, including ill health, learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, and the needs of people who occupy different age categories. This unit will cover the skills you need to work in these areas of health and social care.

Unit in brief
Learners focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.

Unit introduction
For you to be able to provide the care and support that individuals need, it is important that you have a good understanding of the principles behind providing quality care and support. This unit introduces you to the values and issues that need to be considered when planning care and support that meet the needs of an individual in a health and social care environment. In this unit, you will learn about the values and principles of meeting care and support needs and look at some of the ethical issues that arise when personalising care. You will examine factors that can impact the professionals who provide the care and support, and the challenges that must be overcome to allow access to good quality care and health services. You will explore the different methods used by professionals across all care services. You will reflect on these methods when you consider the importance of multi-agency working in providing a package of care and support that meets all the needs of individuals. To complete the assessment task within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme. This unit will be useful if you are intending to pursue a career in social care or healthcare, for instance as a social worker or health visitors, practice nurse or occupational therapist. The unit will also be invaluable if you wish to progress to higher education, to degrees in areas such as health and social care management, social work and nursing.

Unit in brief
Learners explore types of physiological disorders, the procedures for diagnosis, and the development of a treatment plan and provision of support for service users.

Unit introduction
If you have ever been ill then you will know how important it is to receive the right treatment and care in order to make a full recovery. It is essential for workers in the health and social care sector to understand the nature of physiological disorders and how to provide appropriate treatment and care. This includes being aware of the causes and effects of physiological disorders, as well as the roles of different professionals involved in providing treatment and care for service users. In this unit, you will learn about the signs and symptoms of physiological disorders and how they are investigated and diagnosed. You will also learn about the different types of treatment and support available for individual service users, including surgery, rehabilitation and complementary therapies. You will create a treatment plan for a service user with a specific physiological disorder. This will help you understand the treatment and support strategies involved, the contributions of different professionals and the importance of providing individualised care. This unit will form a good basis for higher education study in health and social work courses and nursing qualifications. The information and activities will also help to prepare you for a variety of careers within the health and social care sector.

Unit in brief
Learners cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing.

Unit introduction
Health and social care practitioners need to develop a knowledge base for working with people in every stage of their lives, and they need to know how their own experiences relate to health and wellbeing. Although it is generally accepted that there may be deterioration in health with age following adulthood, medical intervention means people are living longer and have better life prospects. This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of patterns of human growth and development. You will explore the key aspects of growth and development, and the experience of health and wellbeing. You will learn about factors that can influence human growth, development and human health. Some of these are inherited and some are acquired through environmental, social or financial factors during our lifespan. You will learn about a number of theories and models to explain and interpret behaviour through the human lifespan. In this unit, you will explore the impact of both predictable and unpredictable life events, and recognise how they impact on individuals. You will study the interaction between the physical and psychological factors of the ageing process, and how this affects confidence and self-esteem, which in turn may determine how individuals will view their remaining years. This unit is externally assessed. It covers aspects of human growth and development through the different life stages. This content will serve as an introduction to health and social care needs and so will sit at the heart of the qualification.

Unit in brief
Learners explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations.

Unit introduction
This unit will help you to understand what it is like to work in the health and social care sector. When working for an organisation in this sector, you will have important responsibilities that you need to understand and carry out. These include maintaining the safety of and safeguarding individuals with health and social care needs, making sure that you properly handle their personal information and preventing discrimination towards them. You will need to understand how you will be accountable both to these individuals and the regulatory bodies that represent people who work in the health and social care sector. It is necessary for you to understand how your work will be monitored when you carry out a specific role such as nurse or social worker. You will begin by looking at the range of roles and general responsibilities of people who work in health and social care settings. You will learn about the organisations that provide services in this sector, and the different settings in which these services are delivered according to the needs of the service user. You will learn about the ways these services are provided and about the barriers that can prevent people from getting the services they need. As an employee of an organisation that provides services in the health and social care sector, you will have responsibilities towards people who seek information and advice, those who are being assessed and people who use services provided by or on behalf of your employer. You will also have responsibilities towards your employers, both as an employee and when you are undertaking specific duties on behalf of your employer. These organisations are regulated and inspected so you will also need to understand how inspectors and regulators monitor the work that you do. You will learn about working with people with specific needs, including ill health, learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, and the needs of people who occupy different age categories. This unit will cover the skills you need to work in these areas of health and social care.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the methodologies of contemporary research and investigate the implications for health and social care practice and services.

Unit introduction
There are many reasons why research is carried out into contemporary health and social care issues, for example to explore the effect of diet on health and wellbeing or the provision and impact of addiction centres in the local community. As a health and social care professional you will need to understand the purpose of research, how it is carried out and the importance of research for improving the wellbeing of those using health and social care services. In this unit, you will find out about the different research methods that can be used to gather information and the ethical issues that need to be considered. You will review research carried out into a contemporary issue in the sector, and will develop skills that will enable you to carry out your own secondary research into the issue. You will then consider how the research findings may benefit service users or improve practice, and make recommendations for further research. To complete the assessment task within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme. Effective research skills will help you to progress to employment in the health and social care sector and to a variety of higher education programmes, where research often forms part of the programme. To complete the assessment task for within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme.

Unit in brief
Learners focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.

Unit introduction
For you to be able to provide the care and support that individuals need, it is important that you have a good understanding of the principles behind providing quality care and support. This unit introduces you to the values and issues that need to be considered when planning care and support that meet the needs of an individual in a health and social care environment. In this unit, you will learn about the values and principles of meeting care and support needs and look at some of the ethical issues that arise when personalising care. You will examine factors that can impact the professionals who provide the care and support, and the challenges that must be overcome to allow access to good quality care and health services. You will explore the different methods used by professionals across all care services. You will reflect on these methods when you consider the importance of multi-agency working in providing a package of care and support that meets all the needs of individuals. To complete the assessment task within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme. This unit will be useful if you are intending to pursue a career in social care or healthcare, for instance as a social worker or health visitors, practice nurse or occupational therapist. The unit will also be invaluable if you wish to progress to higher education, to degrees in areas such as health and social care management, social work and nursing.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the importance of safe working practices, safeguarding procedures and responding to emergency situations in health and social care settings.

Unit introduction
When working in health and social care settings, you must have a clear understanding of the duty of care and safe working practices and procedures, and how to promote the safety and wellbeing of service users. Safe working practice is a priority in health and social care. This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of the key principles relating to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, promoting health and safety, and responding to different situations and emergency incidents in health and social care settings. You will learn about the professional responsibilities for maintaining safe practice. You will explore the legal duty of care and the importance of legislation, policies and procedures in protecting individuals from harm, upholding their rights and promoting their welfare. You will examine the types of abuse and neglect that service users can experience and learn how to recognise and respond to concerns about abuse and neglect in health and social care settings. This unit will support you in carrying out practical procedures to maintain health and safety and respond to accidents and emergencies in health and social care settings, such as infection control procedures and fire and evacuation drills. This unit provides essential knowledge and understanding and forms a good basis for aspects of higher education study in health and social work courses and nursing qualifications. It will also prepare you for work in the health and social work sector in a variety of roles.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the aims of public health policy and the current approaches to promoting and protecting health and encouraging behaviour change in the population.

Unit introduction
Public health is concerned with protecting and improving the health of the population. Practitioners working in the health and social care sectors need to be aware of the implications of public health policy for services and those who use services. They need to consider the reasons for improving the health of individuals and the general public. This unit will give you an understanding of the aims of public health policy. You will explore how patterns of health and ill health of the population are monitored and how this leads to the development of public health policy. You will consider factors affecting health locally and nationally. You will consider different methods of promoting and protecting public health. You will develop an appreciation of the barriers to be overcome with promoting public health and ways of making people aware of public health issues. You will gain a greater understanding of how healthcare professionals and government agencies use public health initiatives to encourage individuals to change their behaviour in relation to their health. This unit will prepare you for progression to higher education, to health-related degrees in areas such as nursing or occupational therapy, or to social work degrees.

Unit in brief
Learners explore types of physiological disorders, the procedures for diagnosis, and the development of a treatment plan and provision of support for service users

Unit introduction
If you have ever been ill then you will know how important it is to receive the right treatment and care in order to make a full recovery. It is essential for workers in the health and social care sector to understand the nature of physiological disorders and how to provide appropriate treatment and care. This includes being aware of the causes and effects of physiological disorders, as well as the roles of different professionals involved in providing treatment and care for service users. In this unit, you will learn about the signs and symptoms of physiological disorders and how they are investigated and diagnosed. You will also learn about the different types of treatment and support available for individual service users, including surgery, rehabilitation and complementary therapies. You will create a treatment plan for a service user with a specific physiological disorder. This will help you understand the treatment and support strategies involved, the contributions of different professionals and the importance of providing individualised care. This unit will form a good basis for higher education study in health and social work courses and nursing qualifications. The information and activities will also help to prepare you for a variety of careers within the health and social care sector.

Unit in brief
Learners explore concepts of nutritional health and influences on dietary intake, and learn how to assess and improve health through nutrition plans for individuals.

Unit introduction
Good nutrition is important for health and wellbeing. For example, people in hospital depend on getting the right food to help recovery. Also more people are at risk of obesity and illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes. As a worker in the health and social care sector, you need to understand what good nutrition is and the factors that can influence nutritional health, including lifestyle choices and eating habits. You also need to think about how health can be supported by making good nutritional choices. In this unit, you will learn about the nutritional value of food and the dietary sources and function of different nutrients in the body. You will also learn about individual dietary needs, dietary recommendations and the factors that can influence nutritional health, such as lifestyle choices, education and culture. You will examine health factors that can affect nutrition, including medical conditions, digestive disorders, and food allergies and intolerances. Finally, you will develop practical skills in promoting nutritional health through the creation of a nutritional health improvement plan. These activities will prepare you for a variety of careers in the health and social care sector, such as dietitians, nutrition consultants and nutrition educators. This unit will form a good basis for aspects of higher education study in social work courses and nursing qualifications.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the benefits of work experience. They carry out and reflect on a period of work experience, and plan for personal and professional development.

Unit introduction
If you are thinking about a career in health and social care, then work experience is a good way of making you aware of the tasks and activities you may be required to carry out. This unit will help you reflect on and develop your personal attributes and skills required for work in this sector, and extend your knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of health and social care professionals. In this unit, you will learn about the benefits of work experience in health and social care. You will examine how work experience can help you to develop personal and professional skills, such as communication and teamwork, and to understand more about the expectations of different professional roles. You will develop a plan to support your learning in placement and you will monitor your progress with a reflective journal. This is a practical unit which will support your work experience placement in health and social care and provide a foundation for you to develop, apply and reflect on knowledge and skills in a realistic situation. A work experience placement will prepare you for further study in a variety of higher education programmes. It is often a requirement for progression to higher education, and is a component of degree courses in the sector such as social work or nursing.

Unit in brief
Learners cover physical, intellectual, emotional and social development across the human lifespan, and the factors affecting development and the effects of ageing.

Unit introduction
Health and social care practitioners need to develop a knowledge base for working with people in every stage of their lives, and they need to know how their own experiences relate to health and wellbeing. Although it is generally accepted that there may be deterioration in health with age following adulthood, medical intervention means people are living longer and have better life prospects. This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of patterns of human growth and development. You will explore the key aspects of growth and development, and the experience of health and wellbeing. You will learn about factors that can influence human growth, development and human health. Some of these are inherited and some are acquired through environmental, social or financial factors during our lifespan. You will learn about a number of theories and models to explain and interpret behaviour through the human lifespan. In this unit, you will explore the impact of both predictable and unpredictable life events, and recognise how they impact on individuals. You will study the interaction between the physical and psychological factors of the ageing process, and how this affects confidence and self-esteem, which in turn may determine how individuals will view their remaining years. This unit is externally assessed. It covers aspects of human growth and development through the different life stages. This content will serve as an introduction to health and social care needs and so will sit at the heart of the qualification.

Unit in brief
Learners explore what it is like to work in the health and social care sector, including the roles and responsibilities of workers and organisations.

Unit introduction
This unit will help you to understand what it is like to work in the health and social care sector. When working for an organisation in this sector, you will have important responsibilities that you need to understand and carry out. These include maintaining the safety of and safeguarding individuals with health and social care needs, making sure that you properly handle their personal information and preventing discrimination towards them. You will need to understand how you will be accountable both to these individuals and the regulatory bodies that represent people who work in the health and social care sector. It is necessary for you to understand how your work will be monitored when you carry out a specific role such as nurse or social worker. You will begin by looking at the range of roles and general responsibilities of people who work in health and social care settings. You will learn about the organisations that provide services in this sector, and the different settings in which these services are delivered according to the needs of the service user. You will learn about the ways these services are provided and about the barriers that can prevent people from getting the services they need. As an employee of an organisation that provides services in the health and social care sector, you will have responsibilities towards people who seek information and advice, those who are being assessed and people who use services provided by or on behalf of your employer. You will also have responsibilities towards your employers, both as an employee and when you are undertaking specific duties on behalf of your employer. These organisations are regulated and inspected so you will also need to understand how inspectors and regulators monitor the work that you do. You will learn about working with people with specific needs, including ill health, learning disabilities, physical and sensory disabilities, and the needs of people who occupy different age categories. This unit will cover the skills you need to work in these areas of health and social care.

Unit in brief
Learners cover the structure, organisation and function of the human body, and anatomical and physiological systems and medical research related to disorders affecting these systems.

Unit introduction
A clear understanding of anatomy and physiology is essential for most health care professions and this unit lays the groundwork for your studies in careers such as nursing, midwifery or the allied health professions. Equally, if you are looking to enter the workforce, knowledge of anatomy and physiology is beneficial to those working in supportive roles in the health and social care sector. This unit focuses on the anatomy and physiology of the human body. You will learn the core knowledge of cellular structure and function and the organisation of the body as a whole. You will then build on this to develop a more detailed knowledge of the fine anatomy and physiology of the skeletal and muscular systems and those systems involved in energy metabolism. You will examine energy and the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems and the functioning of body systems associated with energy metabolism. You will consider some common disorders and how homeostatic mechanisms operate in the maintenance of an internal environment. You will investigate the processes relating to natural conception and prenatal development from the point of fertilisation through to birth. You will examine factors that affect prenatal development, including genetic and chromosome disorders. This unit is externally assessed, as it covers the structure, organisation and function of the human body, and anatomical and physiological systems. This content will serve as an introduction to most health care professions and so will sit at the heart of the qualification.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the methodologies of contemporary research and investigate the implications for health and social care practice and services.

Unit introduction
There are many reasons why research is carried out into contemporary health and social care issues, for example to explore the effect of diet on health and wellbeing or the provision and impact of addiction centres in the local community. As a health and social care professional you will need to understand the purpose of research, how it is carried out and the importance of research for improving the wellbeing of those using health and social care services. In this unit, you will find out about the different research methods that can be used to gather information and the ethical issues that need to be considered. You will review research carried out into a contemporary issue in the sector, and will develop skills that will enable you to carry out your own secondary research into the issue. You will then consider how the research findings may benefit service users or improve practice, and make recommendations for further research. To complete the assessment task within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme. Effective research skills will help you to progress to employment in the health and social care sector and to a variety of higher education programmes, where research often forms part of the programme. To complete the assessment task for within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme.

Unit in brief
Learners focus on the principles and practicalities that underpin meeting individuals’ care and support needs, which are the foundation of all the care disciplines.

Unit introduction
For you to be able to provide the care and support that individuals need, it is important that you have a good understanding of the principles behind providing quality care and support. This unit introduces you to the values and issues that need to be considered when planning care and support that meet the needs of an individual in a health and social care environment. In this unit, you will learn about the values and principles of meeting care and support needs and look at some of the ethical issues that arise when personalising care. You will examine factors that can impact the professionals who provide the care and support, and the challenges that must be overcome to allow access to good quality care and health services. You will explore the different methods used by professionals across all care services. You will reflect on these methods when you consider the importance of multi-agency working in providing a package of care and support that meets all the needs of individuals. To complete the assessment task within this unit, you will need to draw on your learning from across your programme. This unit will be useful if you are intending to pursue a career in social care or healthcare, for instance as a social worker or health visitors, practice nurse or occupational therapist. The unit will also be invaluable if you wish to progress to higher education, to degrees in areas such as health and social care management, social work and nursing.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the importance of safe working practices, safeguarding procedures and responding to emergency situations in health and social care settings.

Unit introduction
When working in health and social care settings, you must have a clear understanding of the duty of care and safe working practices and procedures, and how to promote the safety and wellbeing of service users. Safe working practice is a priority in health and social care. This unit will develop your knowledge and understanding of the key principles relating to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, promoting health and safety, and responding to different situations and emergency incidents in health and social care settings. You will learn about the professional responsibilities for maintaining safe practice. You will explore the legal duty of care and the importance of legislation, policies and procedures in protecting individuals from harm, upholding their rights and promoting their welfare. You will examine the types of abuse and neglect that service users can experience and learn how to recognise and respond to concerns about abuse and neglect in health and social care settings. This unit will support you in carrying out practical procedures to maintain health and safety and respond to accidents and emergencies in health and social care settings, such as infection control procedures and fire and evacuation drills. This unit provides essential knowledge and understanding and forms a good basis for aspects of higher education study in health and social work courses and nursing qualifications. It will also prepare you for work in the health and social work sector in a variety of roles.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the aims of public health policy and the current approaches to promoting and protecting health and encouraging behaviour change in the population.

Unit introduction
Public health is concerned with protecting and improving the health of the population. Practitioners working in the health and social care sectors need to be aware of the implications of public health policy for services and those who use services. They need to consider the reasons for improving the health of individuals and the general public. This unit will give you an understanding of the aims of public health policy. You will explore how patterns of health and ill health of the population are monitored and how this leads to the development of public health policy. You will consider factors affecting health locally and nationally. You will consider different methods of promoting and protecting public health. You will develop an appreciation of the barriers to be overcome with promoting public health and ways of making people aware of public health issues. You will gain a greater understanding of how healthcare professionals and government agencies use public health initiatives to encourage individuals to change their behaviour in relation to their health. This unit will prepare you for progression to higher education, to health-related degrees in areas such as nursing or occupational therapy, or to social work degrees.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the causes and transmission of infections and the procedures that workers in health and social care settings follow to prevent and control infection.

Unit introduction
As a health and social care worker you will need to minimise the possible transmission of infection to your service users and fellow service providers. People using health and social care services are often vulnerable and service providers need to ensure that they do not have their health status compromised further when using these services. In this unit, you will develop an understanding of the causes and transmission of infections and how they can be prevented and controlled. You will carry out procedures to prevent infection in health and social care settings. You will develop knowledge of the relevant legislation, policies and procedures that apply to health and social care settings. You will investigate the roles and responsibilities of employees and organisations in preventing and controlling the transmission of infection. A comprehensive understanding of all aspects of infection prevention and control underpins many roles in the health and social care sector. It is particularly important for workers such as support workers in care homes and healthcare assistants or clinical support workers in health settings, who are responsible for minimising spread of infection. Health and social care employers need to ensure that all their workers use up-to-date procedures to help minimise infection.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the role of health and social care services in providing care and support to individuals with additional needs.

Unit introduction
While working in health and social care, you may care for a full range of individuals who have additional needs. Individuals with these additional needs have a right to receive the best quality care and support. This unit aims to give you specialist knowledge that can be crucial to ensuring that those with additional needs meet their full potential. As a practitioner in a health or social care environment, you will be responsible for ensuring that everyone in your care has the same opportunities. Additional needs are essentially about each person’s uniqueness and wellbeing rather than about discrimination, and it will be your job to ensure that you treat people equally, respect diversity and foster an environment with high expectations. In this unit, you will explore the range of additional needs that are faced by individuals, considering the effects these needs have on their wellbeing, rights and access. Individuals with additional needs may need provision from a number of services, meaning that organisations work in partnership to assess needs and provide support. You will investigate the support provided to explain how it is possible to overcome the challenges that these needs pose to daily living. Finally, you will investigate the legislation, frameworks and policies that govern work in the health and social care sector, and support the rights of individuals with additional needs. This unit will help you progress to a range of careers with children and adults with additional needs and also to higher education to study nursing, social work and therapist careers.

Unit in brief
Learners explore types of physiological disorders, the procedures for diagnosis, and the development of a treatment plan and provision of support for service users.

Unit introduction
If you have ever been ill then you will know how important it is to receive the right treatment and care in order to make a full recovery. It is essential for workers in the health and social care sector to understand the nature of physiological disorders and how to provide appropriate treatment and care. This includes being aware of the causes and effects of physiological disorders, as well as the roles of different professionals involved in providing treatment and care for service users. In this unit, you will learn about the signs and symptoms of physiological disorders and how they are investigated and diagnosed. You will also learn about the different types of treatment and support available for individual service users, including surgery, rehabilitation and complementary therapies. You will create a treatment plan for a service user with a specific physiological disorder. This will help you understand the treatment and support strategies involved, the contributions of different professionals and the importance of providing individualised care. This unit will form a good basis for higher education study in health and social work courses and nursing qualifications. The information and activities will also help to prepare you for a variety of careers within the health and social care sector.

Unit in brief
Learners explore concepts of nutritional health and influences on dietary intake, and learn how to assess and improve health through nutrition plans for individuals.

Unit introduction
Good nutrition is important for health and wellbeing. For example, people in hospital depend on getting the right food to help recovery. Also more people are at risk of obesity and illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes. As a worker in the health and social care sector, you need to understand what good nutrition is and the factors that can influence nutritional health, including lifestyle choices and eating habits. You also need to think about how health can be supported by making good nutritional choices. In this unit, you will learn about the nutritional value of food and the dietary sources and function of different nutrients in the body. You will also learn about individual dietary needs, dietary recommendations and the factors that can influence nutritional health, such as lifestyle choices, education and culture. You will examine health factors that can affect nutrition, including medical conditions, digestive disorders, and food allergies and intolerances. Finally, you will develop practical skills in promoting nutritional health through the creation of a nutritional health improvement plan. These activities will prepare you for a variety of careers in the health and social care sector, such as dietitians, nutrition consultants and nutrition educators. This unit will form a good basis for aspects of higher education study in social work courses and nursing qualifications.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the nature of and strategies to promote mental wellbeing and mental health, and the impact of mental ill health on individuals.

Unit introduction
There is no health without mental health. Mental health is something that everybody has. Mental wellbeing includes social, emotional and psychological wellbeing. It includes factors such as individuals’ ability to cope with challenges and make the most of opportunities; to feel good and function well individually and in relationships, and to feel a sense of connection to the community and surroundings. This unit encourages you to find out the different ways in which mental wellbeing and mental health are understood. You will learn about the main forms of mental ill health and how these can develop across the life span of the individual. You will investigate the ways that psychiatrists and other mental health professionals understand and manage mental ill health, and consider the strengths and limitations of their approaches. You will explore how mental ill health can have an impact on the lives of individuals and others who play important roles in their lives. By looking at the effects of treatments and social factors, you will develop an insight into mental ill health and its consequences. You will examine the legislation which underpins the strategies that are used to promote mental wellbeing and mental health. Studying this unit will prepare you for a wide variety of roles in health and social care, including mental health nurse, mental health social worker, mental health liaison practitioner or mental health practitioner.

Unit in brief
Learners explore the benefits of work experience. They carry out and reflect on a period of work experience, and plan for personal and professional development.

Unit introduction
If you are thinking about a career in health and social care, then work experience is a good way of making you aware of the tasks and activities you may be required to carry out. This unit will help you reflect on and develop your personal attributes and skills required for work in this sector, and extend your knowledge and understanding of the responsibilities of health and social care professionals. In this unit, you will learn about the benefits of work experience in health and social care. You will examine how work experience can help you to develop personal and professional skills, such as communication and teamwork, and to understand more about the expectations of different professional roles. You will develop a plan to support your learning in placement and you will monitor your progress with a reflective journal. This is a practical unit which will support your work experience placement in health and social care and provide a foundation for you to develop, apply and reflect on knowledge and skills in a realistic situation. A work experience placement will prepare you for further study in a variety of higher education programmes. It is often a requirement for progression to higher education, and is a component of degree courses in the sector such as social work or nursing.