Level 3

Wellbeing Pathway – Care, Early Childhood and Mental Health AAQs

Are you passionate about supporting others and making a real difference in people’s lives? Our Mental Health & Wellbeing Level 3 Programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue…

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Are you passionate about supporting others and making a real difference in people’s lives? Our Mental Health & Wellbeing Level 3 Programme is designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue a rewarding career in health, social care, early years, or mental health services. Across two years, you will explore the vital role mental health plays in individuals, families, and wider society, while developing practical skills valued by universities and employers alike.

Qualifications Included

Health & Social Care L3 Extended Certificate (AAQ) – Year 1/2 Gain a strong foundation in human development, safeguarding, equality and diversity, and the delivery of person-centred care across health and social care settings.

Early Childhood Development L3 Extended Certificate – Year 1/2 Understand how children grow, learn, and develop, with a focus on emotional wellbeing, early intervention, and supporting positive outcomes from birth through early years.

Mental Health: Individuals and Society L3 Extended Certificate (AAQ) – Year 1/2 Explore mental health from both personal and societal perspectives, examining psychological theories, stigma, policy, and the impact of mental health on communities.

Find out more about our A Level pathways and how to apply

  • Perfect for school leavers ready to start a meaningful
  • Gain qualifications that are respected by employers and universities
  • Develop practical skills to work with people of all ages and backgrounds
  • Explore pathways into nursing, social work, counselling, psychology, youth work, early years, and more

What You’ll Gain

  • In-depth understanding of mental health and wellbeing
  • Practical skills for working with diverse individuals and communities
  • Insight into child development and early intervention
  • Preparation for university study or careers in nursing, social work, counselling, psychology, youth work, early years, and related fields

This programme is ideal for students who are empathetic, motivated, and eager to build a meaningful career supporting the well-being of others.

Health & Social Care L3 Extended Certificate (AAQ) – Year 1/2

Students will learn:

  • Human development across the lifespan – How people grow and change from infancy to older age.
  • Person-centred care – How to meet the individual needs of people while respecting dignity and choice.
  • Safeguarding and protection – Identifying risks and promoting safety for vulnerable individuals.
  • Equality and diversity – Understanding how to provide inclusive care and challenge discrimination.
  • Health and social care in practice – How to support individuals in different care settings, from hospitals to community services.

Mental Health: Individuals and Society L3 Extended Certificate (AAQ) – Year 1/2

Students will learn:

  • Understanding mental health – Key concepts, mental health conditions, and psychological theories.
  • Mental health in society – How culture, policy, and social factors affect mental wellbeing.
  • Stigma and discrimination – Identifying and addressing myths and negative attitudes toward mental health.
  • Supporting wellbeing – Strategies to promote positive mental health for individuals and communities.
  • Practical applications – Case studies and examples of interventions in health, social care, and community settings.

Early Childhood Development L3 Extended Certificate – Year 1/2

Students will learn:

  • Child development from birth to 5 years – How babies and young children grow physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
  • Observation and assessment skills – How to monitor children’s development and identify any additional needs.
  • Supporting wellbeing and learning – Techniques to promote positive behaviour, emotional resilience, and early learning outcomes.
  • Health, safety, and safeguarding – Ensuring children are safe, healthy, and protected in all early years settings.
  • Early intervention – Recognising developmental delays or difficulties and knowing how to support children and families.
  • Communication and relationships – Building positive relationships with children, parents, and colleagues in childcare settings.
  • Planning activities – Designing play-based learning and development activities that meet children’s needs and interests.

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above – Including Maths and English

Future courses:

  • Foundation Degree in Inclusive Education
  • BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies
  • Foundation Degree / BA Hons in Health and Social Care
  • Counselling pathway courses

Future employment:

  • Careers in health, social care, counselling, youth work, early years, and related wellbeing professions.

You may be asked to purchase a text book and placement uniform.

How to apply?

Your admissions journey will follow a number of straightforward steps and will likely follow a similar format to the steps outlined on our ‘How to Apply‘ page.

For 16-18 courses, places will be offered for a specific course of study at City of Bristol College, subject to the applicant meeting all course entry criteria.

What support is available to me as a student?

You’ll have our support for every step of your studies. We’re here to help make sure you get the support that you need to succeed.

  • Careers Advice
  • Learning Support
  • Students in Care
  • Fees & Financial Support
  • Mental Health Support
  • Academic and Personal Support
What facilities will I have access to as a student here?

From state-of-the-art engineering, construction and motor vehicle centres to welcoming spaces for A Levels, technical and vocational courses, our facilities are designed to support students in developing the skills, knowledge and experience they need for their future.

Explore our centres, as well as our training restaurants and salons, where students can put their learning into practice in professional environments.

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