Children’s Care, Learning and Development - Level 3 Diploma

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Full-time
Start date: 4th September 2023
End date: 7th June 2024
Information event: Y

Course fee: FREE (See eligibility criteria)

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Course Content

This qualification is designed to provide learners with underpinning knowledge and skills needed when working with children. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas working in children’s settings, including early years. The qualification then builds on this knowledge and provides extended knowledge and skills to further their understanding and provide a stepping stone into higher education. 

To achieve this qualification students are required to successfully complete 136 overall credits: 

Year 1

• 56 credits from the 8 Diploma mandatory units  
• 14 credits from the Diploma optional units, of which there are 13

(After successfully completing year one of your course you have the option of qualifying with the Cache Level 3 Diploma or remaining on the course to complete year 2 of the Extended Diploma)

Year 2

• 66 credits from the 7 Extended Diploma graded mandatory units 
• 1 (one) external assessment 

 The 7 Extended Diploma graded mandatory unit titles are: 

• Developing study skills for professional practice 
• Enabling Play Environments 
• Partnership working in early years 
• Understanding perspectives on childhood in society 
• Understanding Special Educational Needs and Disability in children 
• Understanding neuroscience in early years 
• Planning for improved outcomes when working with babies and children in an early years setting 

If you are accepted onto this course without a Grade C or above in Maths and/or English you will be required to complete the relevant Essential Skills qualification. This will be a compulsory part of your timetable.

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Assessment Methods

The course is assessed mostly by coursework with one external assessment. The external assessment is an extended piece of writing based upon set themes. 

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Course Update

Please note that due to ongoing major campus construction projects courses at Ballymena, Coleraine and Ballymoney may be relocated to alternative suitable locations as required.

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• Satisfactory Access NI checks   
• Level 2 Diploma in Children's Care, Learning & Development or (equivalent) or one year's experience in a childcare setting.  
• 4 GCSEs at C or above 
• Applicants with GCSE Child development, Maths and English at C and above will be given preference (essential skills at level 2 are acceptable in place of GCSE) (for full time applicants) 

In the event of oversubscription, the College reserves the right to increase the entry criteria for this programme to GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or above in preference to Essential Skills or lower graded GCSEs. Applicants will still be reviewed in date order and by order of preference.

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This course will provide students with the qualification and a licence to practice that is recognised for work in the following areas:  

• Child Minder  
• Day nursery assistant or supervisor    
• Pre-school or Playgroup assistant    
• After school assistant   
• Nursery school, primary school & special needs school classroom assistant   

It will also supports learners’ progression to Higher Education. 

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