Who is this course for?

This course is for people who:

• have a genuine interest in working wth children 
• can demonstrate that they are responsible, with the skills and qualities needed to care for young children.
• want to secure employment within childcare, such as in a school or nursery. 
• are considering progressing onto University, this course would be suitable for those wanting to study Primary Teaching, Social Work, or Child Psychology. 
• are interested in looking at what affects children’s education, health and social well-being, and how their needs are met.

 

What are the entry requirements for the course?

• Minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or higher, one of these must be Maths or English Language.
• A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.

 

How long is this course?

This is a two-year full-time course, commencing September 2022 and ending June 2024.

 

What will I study on this course?

The course is made up of 15 units. All must be achieved to gain the full diploma.

Unit 1 – Child Development from Conception to 7 Years: This unit will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of child development through the initial stages. You will learn about the theory and frameworks that inform early years practice, and about the role of the early years’ practitioner.

Unit 2 – Children’s Health and Wellbeing: This unit will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of the health and wellbeing of children, including emotional wellbeing, physical care, and nutritional requirements.

Unit 3 – Providing Safe Environments for Children: This unit will provide you with the knowledge of how to keep children safe in early years settings, including Safeguarding and Child Protection.

Unit 4  – Child Health: This unit will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of child health. You will learn about common childhood illnesses, care routines when a child is unwell, childhood immunisations, and your role as the early years practitioner when supporting a child who is unwell.

Unit 5 – Play and Learning: This unit will teach you about the role of play. You will learn about the theoretical approaches to play and learning, the different types of play, and your role in supporting play. You will also learn about the role the frameworks have in relation to play and learning.

Unit 6 –  Understanding Children’s Additional Needs: This unit will teach you about how to meet children’s additional needs. You will learn about the factors that affect development and the role intervention plays in supporting children with additional needs.

Unit 7 – Observation, Assessment and Planning: You will learn how to observe and assess children. You will gain an understanding of the skills needed to observe, the role frameworks play when assessing children, and about the role of assessment in the planning cycle.

Unit 8 & 15- Professional Practice Portfolio 1: You will develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to work with children. You will produce a portfolio of evidence that you will gain through your work experience.

Unit 9 – Supporting Emergent Literacy: You will develop a knowledge and understanding of children’s emergent literacy skills and learn about the current frameworks underpinning them. You will learn about the language and communication needs of children, and how the early years practitioner supports them.

Unit 10 – Supporting Emergent Maths: In this unit you will develop a knowledge and understanding of children’s emergent mathematical skills. You will learn the concepts of maths, and how to support children’s emergent mathematical development.

Unit 11 – Preparing for School Readiness: The aim of this unit is for you to gain an understanding of how to support children in preparation for school. You will learn about the factors that affect school readiness, and how to work with others when supporting children in preparation for school.

Unit 12 – International Perspectives: You will learn about the various international perspectives to childcare and education. You will learn about the different ways children learn, and will develop an understanding of the various international approaches to children’s learning.

Unit 13 – Reflective Practice for Professional Development: You will learn about the different employment opportunities and the role of reflective practice in enhancing your professional development.

Unit 14 – Professional Partnerships: You will learn about various professionals childcare practitioners are likely to work with, and understand the value of working in partnership to imrpve outcomes for children. 

 

What Qualification will I gain?

This course will give you a CACHE level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, which is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

You will also gain ‘licence to practice’ at Level 3 status.

 

Will I go out on work experience?

Courses at Highlands College are about preparing you for the world of work. As part of your course, you will learn how to go about presenting yourself to an employer to stand the best chance of getting the job you are looking for. You will spend at two days a week in a work placement with block weeks taking place every term. 

 

What does this course lead on to?

This course is equivalent to three A Levels (72 to 168 UCAS points) and prepares you both for university entry, or to become a Level 3 early years’ educator.

After course completion, you will be able to work competently, safely, and effectively with children aged 0 to 8 years, complementing the role of the parent or primary care giver.

There is opportunity for direct progression to the Foundation Degree or BA (Hons) Degree in Childhood Studies at University College Jersey.

 

How much will it cost?

• There are no fees for this course but all students must obtain a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check – £45 and join the Update Service – £13.

 

How can I find out more?

For further information, please contact the Highlands College Admissions team on: 608582 or email: fulltimeapplications@highlands.ac.uk.