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Introduction to the course

This qualification is the first year on a two year programme and is designed for anyone aged 16+ who wants to work with children aged 0-8 as an Early Year Educator.

Completion of the First Year will allow learners to work in Industry. However, those learners wishing to gain a Level 3 Licence to Practice or continue on to University will need to complete Year 2 of the programme carrying the UCAS point.

Learners completing the course can go on to work in children's centres, family centres, social services, family units and hospital wards supporting children and families.

During the course learners will Learner about Child Development, Health and Well-Being, Play and Learning, Children with additional needs, Safe Environments, Observation Assessment and planning and Supporting Learners with Literacy and Numeracy. Learners are expected to complete placement hours as part of the qualification.

Learners are required to complete a minimum of 365 hours in the first year in three different age ranges. Learners will have to complete tasks within the setting and be assessed by an assessor at least twice during the academic year.

What do I need?

To study on this course, you need to have at least 5 GCSEs at Grades A* - C (4-9), including English or Functional Skills at Level 2, and Maths. If necessary, you will have the opportunity to resit your Maths GCSE alongside this main qualification.

How is the course taught?

The course is taught in a range of ways, including: Class-based lessons, Workshops, Group learning, One-to-one support, Online learning via Moodle, Work placements, Assessment in the work place, Task completion in the workplace.

 All units in this qualification are mandatory, and to achieve a Level 3 Certificate in Childcare & Education, you will need to pass each unit to a minimum Grade D.

How will I be assessed?

The Level 3 Childcare & Education course is assessed both internally (marked by the teachers) and externally (marked by NCFE markers). Units will be internally assessed, and you will be observed in your placement for competence in a real work environment.

What does it lead to?

Once you’ve earned this Childcare & Education certificate, you can go on to study at university, or work towards employment or a Higher Apprenticeship.

Employer's Benefit

Employers will have the opportunity to:

Support the students

Recruit qualified staff

Provide CPD for their staff

Upon achievement of this qualification, it is intended that students will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators or access higher education. From September 2014, the Early Years Educator Qualifications are the only qualifications to confer a licence to practice.

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Course Details