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Introduction to the course

Introduction to the Level 3 Certificate in Childcare & Education

This qualification involves a 2-year course and is designed for anyone aged 16+ who wants to:

Work with children aged 0-5 as an Early Year Educator

Work in children's centres, family centres, social services, family units and hospital wards supporting children and families

Progress to higher education, as the qualification carries UCAS points. You can progress to Primary Teaching, Social Work or Nursing, including Children's Nursing at degree level.

Students complete the certificate in the first year of the course, and then progress onto the second year to complete the Diploma. The Diploma element carries UCAS points, allowing you to progress onto Higher Education. The course comprises 15 units, which will be completed across the two years.

Once you’ve completed the Childcare & Education course at Level 3, you will be equipped with knowledge and understanding in the following subjects:

The stages and sequences of child development

Children’s needs in relation to emotional and physical wellbeing

The role of the early years practitioner in maintaining a healthy and safe environment for children

Safeguarding children and child protection

Theoretical approaches to play and learning

The role of play in relation to children’s learning and development

Working in partnership to meet children’s needs

Child observation and assessment

Children’s emergent literacy and numeracy

Reflective practice and professional development

Study skills

When working towards your Level 3 Childcare & Education Certificate, you will also be required to complete 750 hours of placement, working with children aged 0-5 years in different settings. This practical experience will help you to link theory to practice and can lead to employment within the childcare sector.

What do I need?

To study on this course, you need to have at least 3 GCSEs at Grades A* - C, 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

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

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.

You will also complete an external assessment essay in year 1 and an extended paper in year 2. Both of these will be written at the college and sent to the exam board for marking.

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