FullTime National Diploma /Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development

Awarding Body

EDEXCEL

Course Content

The Edexcel National Diploma/Certificate courses are both two year programmes for students over 16 years of age which leads to employment with young children or entry into higher education.

Course Features

Students follow a course of study in which theory and practice are closely integrated.

Practical work placements allow childcare competencies to develop in a variety of settings including infant schools, Day Care facilities and Special Education placements.

Diploma students study 1080 guided learning hours over the two years including both Core and Options such as,Promoting Children's Rights, and Design Technology.

Certificate students study 720 guided learning hours over the two years.

All students carry out a minimum of 800 hours of supervised work placements in 4 different settings with four different age ranges.

There will be opportunities for bilingual students to complete placements and submit their assignments in their preferred language.

Students will be involved in a stimulating student centered learning programme.

All coursework and assignments, which demonstrate underpinning knowledge will be continually assessed throughout the course and the grades achieved will contribute towards the final qualification.

Through lectures, seminars, tutorials and practical workshops students will study all aspects of child development from birth to sixteen years.

This qualification can provide a vocational route into a variety of Higher Education courses including BA Education, Degree in Early Years, Degrees in Care Practice and Childhood Studies, Social Inclusion and Nursing Degrees.
Career Prospects and Progression

National Diplomas provide an excellent basis for progression to higher level qualifications such as Degrees e.g. BA Degrees in Primary Teaching,Social Inclusion, Early Years Foundation/Full degrees or other degrees in related topics. Successful completion of the National Diploma/Certificate can also lead to employment opportunities with young children as a Nanny, Nursery/Creche worker, Playgroup Leader,Holiday Representative or Hospital Playworker.

Modules

National Diploma students study 7 core units plus specialist units that provide a total of 1080 guided learning hours for a complete qualification. National Certificate students study 7 core units plus specialist units that provide for a total of 720 guided learning hours for a complete qualification. Unit 1 Positive Relationships for Children's Care, Learning and Development Unit 2 Positive Environments for Children's Care, Learning and Development Unit 3 Promoting Children's Development Unit 4 Reflecting on and Developing Practice with Children between 0-8 years Unit 5 Safeguarding Children Unit 6 Promoting Children's Rights Unit 7 Children's Learning Activities and Play Specialist Units include: Supporting Children's Information and Communication Technology Skills and Design and Technology for the Early Years Practitioner. All students carry out a minimum of 800 hours of supervised work placements in 4 different settings with four different age ranges between virth and 7 years 11 months. All students will complete a professional development portfolio of placement evidence in order to achieve Qualified Practitioner status.

Method of Assessment

Assessments take the form of Assignments which are made up of a variety of tasks that provide scope for the learner to achieve Pass, Merit and Distinction grades. All unit grades contribute to the final Certificate or Diploma. The assignment formats could be essays, presentations and practical work.

Course Length

2 Years

Time of Delivery

Daytime

Campus

Ammanford Campus

Bilingual Provision

Students can receive course materials in Welsh

Entry Requirements

National Diploma - 5 GCSE's at C grades or above National Certificate - 4 GCSE's at C grades or above Mature applicants without formal qualifications might be considered at the discretion of the Course Tutor. Satisfactory interview, reference and enhanced CRB check.

Full-time or Part-time

FullTime