CHILDREN'S CARE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Level 3 Diploma

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).

Applicants should normally hold the following:

• 15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSEs at Grade C, or equivalent; OR
• BTEC Level 2 First Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points; OR
• NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area); OR
• Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, or entry in 2018, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.

Please note: In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.

It is desirable that applicants have GCSE Mathematics Grade C or above (or equivalent) and GCSE English Grade C or above (or equivalent) qualification. Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language or Mathematics at Grade C or above (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or Literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.

Attendance at Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (individual and group interviews) is required.

Applicants to this course must also:

• Provide a reference from current employer/academic setting.
• Secure and complete a work placement throughout the duration of the qualification before certification.
• All learners must have access to either employment or work experience in a real work setting to support them to develop and practice their skills and apply their knowledge at an appropriate level. This ensures that learners are able to demonstrate consistent competence at level 3 to meet the requirements of the Level 3 Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Northern Ireland) units.
• All learners must undergo initial assessment against the requirements of the qualification, and this must be documented. An individual learning plan can then be produced.
• All learners must complete an Access NI check and additional vetting as required per setting i.e. medical, reference checks and social service checks. Applicants and learners will be subject to the Professional Suitability and Fitness to Practise Policy.
• The work setting must be either a regulated (via social services) or an inspected (via social services or the Education and Training Inspectorate) early years setting. This means that the learner must have access to working with children aged from 0–5 years and 11 months for all of their practice/placement hours. Appropriate settings, including Irish-medium schools, would be:
  • registered childminding settings –working with children up to 5 years 11 months
  • playgroups
  • day care nurseries
  • statutory nursery settings
  • early years foundation stage provision up to the age of 5 years 11 months
  • Sure Start provision

The above requirement cannot be met by time spent with children within a learner’s family/extended family, babysitting or through other informal arrangements.

To be awarded this qualification learners are required to successfully complete 70 credits overall, 56 credits from the mandatory units and 14 credits from the optional units.

Units of study include:

• Context and principles for the early years sector – Theme 1.
• Communication and partnership working – Theme 2.
• Safeguarding children – Theme 3.
• Keeping children safe, healthy and well – Theme 4.
• Support children’s personal care and nutrition – Theme 5.
• Supporting children’s development – Theme 6.
• Supporting children’s play opportunities and experiences of play – Theme 7.
• Contribute to the support of children with disabilities and/or special needs – Theme 8.
• Understand the needs of children and young people who are vulnerable and experiencing poverty and disadvantage.
• Support children with learning disabilities.
• Support the learning and development of children with health needs.

This qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured through a portfolio of evidence.

Assessment includes written evidence, reports, presentations, reflective discussions and placement observations. You are required to successfully achieve all to secure the qualification.

Induction trip fees may apply at an average cost of £20.

Upon successful completion of Diploma Units, learners can apply for:

• Children's Care, Learning & Development Level 3 Extended Diploma [Top Up].
• Other short professional development courses relating to Childcare.
• Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning Certificate
• Level 3 Award Transition to Play work

Learners qualified at level 3 may work as Room Supervisors, Team Leaders or deputise for the leader working under the supervision of the Manager.