Health and Social Care at NOA
At some point in life everyone will need health care. It is likely that you have already had an appointment with a doctor in your lifetime, in which case you would be described as a service user.
This means that you have been given health care from a person who was trained to give you care – they are called ‘service providers’. You might know someone who needs social care. This is different from health care, although both types of care are closely linked. People who need social care are not always ill – they may be unable to carry out everyday activities like getting dressed or feeding themselves, or they may need help with their day-to-day lives. Providing good health and social care services is important and service providers need to have the appropriate skills, attributes and values to meet the needs of service users. These skills, attributes and values are important because they enable people who use health and social care services to get the care they need and to be protected from different sorts of harm.
What does being healthy actually mean? It can mean different things to different people: you might think ‘healthy’ is not having to visit the doctor but an older person might consider it being mobile and able to get out and about, being happy and having friends.
During the course, learners will explore different aspects of growth and development and the factors that can affect this across the life stages. They will explore the different events that can impact on individuals’ physical, intellectual, emotional and social (PIES) development and how individuals cope with and are supported through changes caused by life events. They will also explore the factors that affect health and wellbeing, learning about physiological and lifestyle indicators, and person-centred approaches to make recommendations to improve an individual’s health and wellbeing. Learners will explore health and social care services and how they meet the needs of service users. They will also study the skills, attributes and values required when giving care.
Unit 1 and 2 are assessed with coursework within class. Component 3 is an external component that builds on knowledge and understanding acquired and developed in Components 1 and 2, and includes synoptic assessment. Learners will apply their knowledge and understanding of human lifespan development and life events, sources and types of support, health and social care services, the skills, attributes and values that contribute to care and the barriers and personal obstacles to accessing services
Health and social care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK with demand for both health and social care employees continuously rising. In 2019/20, the adult social care sector contributed approximately £41.2 billion a year to the UK economy. Social care employees, such as care assistants and social workers work with individuals to support them to be as independent as possible in their own homes, in care homes or nursing homes. Healthcare employees, such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants and physiotherapists, work with individuals to enhance their quality of life by improving their health. Approximately 3 million people are currently employed in the sector. In 2019, it was estimated that by 2035 approximately 2.17 million health and social care job vacancies will need to be filled. Study of this sector at Key Stage 4 will complement GCSE study through providing an opportunity for practical application alongside conceptual study. There are also strong opportunities for post-16 progression in this important sector.