Introductory awareness of person-centred support in health, social care and children’s and young people’s settings
Person-centred support focuses on the individual's needs, preferences, and rights. It empowers individuals to have control over their care and promotes dignity and independence.
Assessment criteria
Quick Revision Summary (Key Takeaway)
The OCNLR Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings provides foundational knowledge of care principles, communication, and safety in health and social care environments. It covers key topics such as person-centred care, safeguarding, and effective communication, preparing students for further study or entry-level roles.
Topic Overview
This award introduces students to the fundamental principles of working in health, social care, and early years settings. It covers the core values of care, such as promoting dignity, independence, and respect, and emphasises the importance of person-centred approaches. Students learn about the different types of care settings, the roles of care workers, and the legal and ethical frameworks that guide practice.
Effective communication is a key theme, including verbal and non-verbal methods, active listening, and overcoming barriers. Safeguarding is another critical area, teaching students how to recognise signs of abuse and neglect and how to report concerns appropriately. The qualification also covers health and safety basics, including risk assessment and infection control.
Understanding these topics is essential for anyone considering a career in care. The award provides a stepping stone to further qualifications, such as the Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care, and helps students develop the values and skills needed to support vulnerable individuals safely and compassionately.
Key Concepts
Core ideas you must understand for this topic
- →Person-centred care: tailoring support to the individual's needs, preferences, and values.
- →Confidentiality: protecting service users' information and sharing only with consent or legal obligation.
- →Safeguarding: protecting individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect, and knowing how to report concerns.
- →Effective communication: using verbal and non-verbal methods, active listening, and adapting to barriers.
- →Equality and diversity: treating everyone fairly and respecting differences in culture, beliefs, and abilities.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Understand what is meant by person-centred support in health, social care and children’s and young people’s settings, Know the importance to individuals of person-centred support in health, social care and children’s and young people’s settings
Assessment Criteria
Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio
- Define person-centred support.
- Explain the importance of respecting individual choices.
- Describe how to involve individuals in decision-making.
- Identify barriers to person-centred support.
- Give examples of person-centred practice.
Assessment Guidance
Guidance for achieving higher grades
- 💡Use case studies to show understanding.
- 💡Emphasise the individual's rights and dignity.
- 💡Link to relevant legislation like the Care Act.
- 💡Use specific examples from care settings to illustrate your points; this shows application of knowledge.
- 💡When answering 'explain' questions, give a reason or consequence, not just a description.
- 💡Always link your answers to the core values of care (e.g., dignity, respect, independence).
Common Mistakes
Common errors to avoid in your coursework
- Confusing person-centred with task-centred care.
- Ignoring the individual's communication needs.
- Assuming all individuals want the same support.
- Misconception: Confidentiality means never sharing any information. Correction: Information can be shared with consent or when required by law (e.g., safeguarding concerns).
- Misconception: Person-centred care means doing everything the service user asks. Correction: It means involving them in decisions while ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Misconception: Safeguarding is only about protecting children. Correction: Safeguarding applies to all vulnerable individuals, including adults at risk.
Revision Plan
How to revise this topic in 1–2 weeks
- 1Week 1: Focus on core values and person-centred care. Read the unit content, make flashcards for key terms, and practice explaining each value with an example.
- 2Week 2: Study communication and safeguarding. Role-play scenarios with a friend or family member to practice active listening and reporting concerns.
- 3Week 3: Review health and safety basics. Create a mind map linking risk assessment, infection control, and emergency procedures.
- 4Week 4: Complete practice exam questions under timed conditions. Review mark schemes to understand what examiners look for.
Exam Question Types
How this topic typically appears in the exam
- 📋Multiple-choice questions: Test recall of key facts (e.g., 'What is the purpose of a risk assessment?'). Read all options carefully before selecting.
- 📋Short-answer questions: Require brief explanations (e.g., 'Give two examples of non-verbal communication'). Be precise and use correct terminology.
- 📋Scenario-based questions: Present a care situation and ask you to describe appropriate actions (e.g., 'A service user refuses to eat. What should you do?'). Apply person-centred principles.
Command Word Expectations (OCN LONDON)
What examiners look for when using specific command words in this specification
List or name specific items, facts, or examples. No explanation needed unless stated.
Give a detailed account of what something is or what happens. Include key features or steps.
Give reasons or causes for something, showing understanding of how or why it occurs.
How Students Lose Marks (Examiner Pitfalls)
Common mark loss traps and how to write 100% full-mark answers
Step-by-Step Worked Solutions
Detailed solution breakdown for typical exam problems
Question: A care home resident has a fall. List four actions a care worker should take immediately.
- 1.Step 1: Stay calm and assess the situation for danger.
- 2.Step 2: Do not move the resident unless in immediate danger; call for help.
- 3.Step 3: Check for injuries and reassure the resident.
- 4.Step 4: Report the fall to a senior staff member and complete an accident report.
Question: Explain two ways a care worker can promote equality and diversity when supporting a service user from a different culture.
- 1.Step 1: Identify one way, e.g., respecting dietary requirements by providing culturally appropriate food.
- 2.Step 2: Explain how this promotes equality (ensures same quality of care) and diversity (values cultural differences).
- 3.Step 3: Identify a second way, e.g., using a translator if language is a barrier.
- 4.Step 4: Explain how this ensures the service user can participate fully in decisions about their care.
Active Recall Memory Test
Test your memory before revealing the key facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions students ask about this topic
Pass / Merit / Distinction Evidence Checklist
How your portfolio evidence is graded for OCN LONDON Introductory awareness of person-centred support in health, social care and children’s and young people’s settings
Every vocational unit is marked against named criteria rather than an exam percentage. Your tutor's brief lists the exact codes for this unit — here is what each band is asking you to do.
Demonstrate baseline knowledge, accurate terminology, and core practical application.
Provide detailed analysis, structured explanations, and clear workplace reasoning.
Deliver thorough evaluation, original problem solving, and fully justified recommendations.
Before You Start
Prior knowledge that will help with this topic
- •No formal prerequisites, but a basic understanding of respect and responsibility is helpful.
- •Familiarity with the concept of 'care' and 'support' from personal experience or prior learning.
Coursework AI Review
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Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Understand what is meant by person-centred support in health, social care and children’s and young people’s settings, Know the importance to individuals of person-centred support in health, social care and children’s and young people’s settings
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