Who is this course for?
The aim of this course is to prepare you to work with children aged between birth and 8 years of age, and to provide you with knowledge about children.
The course is for students who wish to study a course in childcare and is specifically intended as a progression route to a Level 3 course, either in Childcare or another subject, or to enter the workforce as a nursery assistant.
What are the entry requirements for the course?
Five GCSEs at grades 2 or 3 (grade D-E) or higher, including BOTH Maths and English Language.
A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.
How long is this course?
This is a one-year full-time course starting in September and ending in June.
What will I study on this course?
The course is made up of 10 units of study:
Childcare and education study – gain knowledge and demonstrate ability around the skills needed to work with children. You will show your understanding of the role of an early years practitioner.
Nurturing environments – learn to recognise the signs and symptoms of abuse, and how to make child protection referrals.
Introduction to how children learn – introduction to different frameworks where you develop an understanding of how children learn and the role an early years practitioner plays in supporting children’s learning.
Working in the industry – develop your readiness for the world of work. Through research activities you will develop an awareness of childcare and education. You will conduct an assessment of your employability skills, plan for placement, and carry out work experience.
Introduction to working with children – providing an overview of the different types of settings and local provision for children. You will develop an understanding of the role and responsibilities of the early years practitioner.
Providing a safe and healthy environment – learn how to prepare a safe and healthy environment for children. You will develop an understanding of the relevant legislation around health and safety. You will learn how to plan activities and outings which are age and stage appropriate.
Communication – Good communication skills are vital for working with children, you will investigate the different forms of communication and how to use them effectively.
Introduction to child development – develop skills to observe children and how to use the observations to promote development. You will also explore the reasons for children not following expected patterns of development.
Play and learning – the importance of play in children’s learning is the focus of this unit. You will learn about stages and types of play, and how you can provide appropriate activities to support development through play. You will learn how to provide children with challenge and risk in play.
Supporting children with additional needs – learn how to support children with additional needs, develop an understanding of the needs of the child, and how to overcome barriers to participation. You will develop a knowledge of legal requirements and sources of support for children with additional needs.
What Qualification will I gain?
NCFE Jersey Progression Qualification in Childcare.
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 least one week in a work placement.
What does this course lead on to?
Successful completion of this course to the required standard allows access to most Level 3 courses at Highlands College, including the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education.
You could be employed as a Nursery Assistant and continue your level 3 studies as an apprenticeship.
How much will it cost?
• There are no fees for this course but students must self obtain a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Services 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.
Additional Information
All 6th form courses are subject to minimum enrolment numbers. Where a course does not meet the required number it will be reluctantly cancelled for that academic year. Affected applicants will be contacted and offered a transfer to another course if a suitable one is available.
Anyone who has been out of education for longer than 6 months will be invited for interview. Following interview, the application will be referred to a review panel.
International students should contact Jersey Immigration on immigration@gov.je before making an application.