Level 3 Diploma in Childcare
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE
- 4+ in English or Maths
- Level 2 award at distinction (merit with a recommendation)
You will need a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check which will be undertaken as part of the application process.
All learners who achieve an early years educator qualification will need GCSE English and Maths at a 4+ by the end of the course. In order to start the course it is recommended that students have GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above, however, students with a grade 3 in either subject will be supported with resits.
YEAR 12 COURSE SPECIFICATION
Unit 1 Child development from conception to seven years
Unit 2 Children’s health and well being
Unit 3 Providing safe environments for children
Unit 4 Child health
Unit 5 Play and learning
Unit 6 Understanding children’s additional needs
Unit 7 Observation assessment and planning
YEAR 13 COURSE SPECIFICATION
Unit 9 Supporting emergent literacy
Unit 10 Supporting emergent mathematics
Unit 11 Preparing for school readiness
Unit 12 International perspectives
Unit 13 Reflective practice for professional development
Unit 14 Professional partnerships in early years
Unit 16 Portfolio practice
LEARNING AND SKILLS
Learners completing a CACHE Early Years Educator qualification will have been trained to the highest of standards, equipping them with the best early years qualifications available. These are now the must-have qualifications for all those wanting to work at advanced Level 3 with children from birth to five years of age, and will provide the full and relevant status of being an Early Years Educator.
Students will be expected to develop research and development skills in order to inform their coursework. You will be encouraged to read a wide variety of texts and use your theoretical knowledge to inform your assignment work.
Linking the theoretic approaches of childcare to your practical application of skills in the work place and in college will ensure a holistic approach to learning.
You will be expected to be a kind, caring, respectful student who has the qualities to work in the childcare field. You will be taught through a variety of techniques including lectures, discussions, group work and practical activities. You will gain the skills to communicate with your peers, staff and children, to develop a range of academic skills and produce coursework to a high standard.
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT
EXAM BOARD: NCFE
The majority of the course is assessed through assignments. Professional practice units are assessed through work experience and the production of a professional practice portfolio (PPP). There are 750 hours of assessed work experience which is a mandatory part of the programme. You will attend a range of organised work placements, working with a range of age groups including babies, pre-school and Key Stage 1. There is also an externally assessed assignment.
Each unit throughout the qualification will be graded A*-D with the qualification overall grading being A* – D.
Assessment Opportunities
Assessment opportunities for all the externally set and marked assessment for the Certificate and Diploma will be limited to one attempt and one further reattempt opportunity to undertake an alternative assessment.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
UCAS points are from 72 to 168
Students can progress onto a variety of higher education courses after the completion of the diploma. Pathways include: Midwifery and Social Work, Nursing, youth and community work as well as childhood studies.