BTEC Children's Play, Learning and Development - General Information
Who is this childcare course designed for?
This childcare course is designed for those who are interested in working with children from birth to 8 years of age in a professional capacity. It is suitable for people who want to move on to Higher Education or seek employment. This course qualifies you to work in unsupervised job roles and is internationally recognised.
What will this course lead to?
If you complete a Level 3 qualification successfully you could achieve up to the equivalent to 3 A 'levels which will enable you to progress to Higher Education. Alternatively, you could seek employment in schools, nurseries, day nurseries, playgroups and other related fields. Most of our students who complete this qualification progress on to Higher Education to pursue a Degree in Primary Teaching, Educational Studies, Social Work, Children’s Nursing, Midwifery or Education Psychology. Alternatively, you may embark on a Foundation Degree or a Higher National Diploma in any related field such as Health and Social Care, Early Years or Working Children and Young People, (this route will provide you with an opportunity to work while you study for a degree).
Course content and assessment
BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development - 1 Year (Early Years Assistant)
This qualification is for learners who want to start a career in early years education and care. It will give you the opportunity to develop sector-specific knowledge, technical and practical skills, and to apply these skills in work-related environments. The course comprises of 7 units which includes; child development, working in early years settings, caring for children and supporting children’s learning through play, amongst others. Students are expected to complete 300 hours of practical work in childcare settings over the course of the year. They will be assessed internally and there are also two external assessments that contribute 25% of the total qualification. The course will allow students to progress directly to employment in the early years sector or on to an early years apprenticeship. The qualification also provides progression to Level 3 qualifications.
BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development - 2 Years (Early Years Educator)
This two year course covers 17 units in total and 11 of these units will be assessed internally with one unit assessed in the form of an external exam. Units that will be covered include; Child Development, Play and Learning, Safeguarding in Early Years, Supporting Children’s Speech Language and Communication, Observations Assessment and Planning, Working with Parents and other professionals in Early Years, Research Skills and Implementing the Foundation Stage in Early Years.
Students will be expected to complete up to 750 hours of practical work with children in a range of settings including birth to 2, 3 to 5 and 5 to 8 years. This will be completed with a program of study seeing the students in placement in each term over the duration of the course. The idea is to achieve practical experience throughout the duration of the course, enabling the learner to reflect, analyse and make links between theory and practice.
All units will be assessed through a range of assignments and tasks. Some of these will be based in placements through observations and a reflective portfolio, while others will involve written assignments, presentations, a research task and 2 externally assessed examinations.
