EARLY YEARS AND EDUCATION - 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
Pathway 1- 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.
Mandatory Work Experience
Students are expected to complete 300 hours of practical work in childcare settings over the course of the year.
Assessment
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.
Pathway 2- T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years - 2 Years
The core content is divided into 12 elements and four core skills, all of which indicate the required knowledge and understanding of concepts, theories and principles relevant to all occupations in Education and Childcare.
The 12 elements are as follows:
• Wider context
• Child development
• Supporting education
• Observation and assessment
• Safeguarding, health and safety and well-being
• Reflective practice
• Behaviour
• Equality and diversity
• Parents, families and carers
• Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Working with others
• English as an additional language
Mandatory Work Experience
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.
Students will also be observed in their placement carrying out activities that they have planned. Observations will be assessed by their teachers
Assessment
Assessment of the core component is 100% external and comprises:
• Paper A (written examination) – 2 hours – 35% of overall grade
• Paper B (written examination) – 2 hours – 35 % of overall grade
• The employer-set project (ESP) – completed in class over 12 hours – 30% of final grade. These are completed in Year 1 of the course.
The Occupational Specialism component (Early Years Educator) is completed in Year 2. This is assessed through 3 assignments.
