aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Health and social care
What age group	College
What topic	Policy and procedures
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Lesson Introduction: Policies and Procedures in Health and Social Care

Icebreaker Activity: "Policy Puzzle"

Objective

To engage students and activate prior knowledge related to policies and procedures in health and social care settings.

Materials Needed

• A set of policy cards (pre-prepared cards with key points from various common health and social care policies)
• Sticky notes or index cards
• A timer

Setup

1. Before the lesson, prepare a selection of policy cards that summarise important policies (e.g., Safeguarding Children Policy, Equality and Diversity Policy, Health and Safety Policy).
2. Arrange the classroom into small groups of 4-5 students.

Instructions

1. Introduction (5 minutes): Begin the lesson by asking students, “What do you think makes a good health and social care service?” Facilitate a short discussion to highlight the importance of having clear policies and procedures in place.

2. Activity Launch (10 minutes):

   • Distribute one policy card to each group.
   • Explain that groups will need to read their policy and summarise it using sticky notes or index cards.
   • They will have 5 minutes to brainstorm and create a “policy puzzle” using key points from their assigned policy. Encourage them to think creatively about how they can visually represent their policy on the board or on a flip chart.

3. Presentation (10 minutes):

   • Each group will present their policy puzzle to the class, explaining the key elements and significance of their assigned policy.
   • As students present, encourage their peers to ask questions and make connections to other policies or procedures they may already know.

Wrap-Up

Conclude the activity by highlighting the interconnectedness of different policies within health and social care settings. Emphasise how these policies provide essential frameworks that ensure safe, equitable, and effective care for all service users.

Transition to Lesson Content

After discussing the activities, transition smoothly into the main content of the lesson. Introduce the core themes and objectives regarding policies and procedures, explaining that today, students will explore how these frameworks guide practice, enhance safety, and protect vulnerable individuals in care.

This introduction sets a collaborative tone, encourages engagement from the start, and helps students appreciate the critical role of policies and procedures in their future careers in health and social care.