Child Care and Education CACHE Level 3

Child Care and Education (CACHE) (Level 3)

CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION

Level 3 Award/Certificate/ Diploma (CACHE)

Campus: Cheadle and Marple

(02.12.08)

Course outline

The Diploma is a full-time, vocational programme that relates specifically to children between the ages of 0-16 years and covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of Child Care and Education. It is an excellent programme to study if you intend working with children.

You will learn about a variety of subjects relating to children, such as childrens development, the curriculum, preparation for employment, childrens services, the importance of play, health issues relating to children and child protection. Work Placement experience is an integral and assessed part of the programme.

The course aims to equip you with the knowledge and practical skills needed for either employment in the childcare profession or access to related Higher Education courses, such as Teacher Training and Early Years degree courses.

Special entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grades A-C, one of which must be English

Good communication and personal skills when dealing with children, other professionals and your colleagues whilst on work placement and in college

An ability to manage your time effectively and meet deadlines

A real commitment to the subject

To be physically and mentally fit to work with children and their families

How you will learn

Through a variety of learning opportunites which include work placement experience (two days each week), class based activities, small and large group activities, presentations, attending conferences, exhibitions, exam focused teaching and revision sessions not to mention one-to-one tutorials and visiting speakers.

How you will be assessed

In the first year, you will have an induction assignment, four pieces of coursework and a short answer paper exam. In the second year, you will have six pieces of coursework and a research project. Throughout the 2 years, you will need to build up four portfolios of evidence.

The programme offers a good balance between practical and theoretical work. You will spend two days a week on placement working with children and three days in college covering the underpinning knowledge required to work with children, some of which will also be practically based.

Other complementary subjects

As the Diploma is a full-time programme of study, there is insufficient time to study other subjects apart from Key Skills in Maths and IT as required.

What you can do after this course

Past students have used the Diploma as a stepping-stone to Higher Education, going on to study a BA in Early Childhood Studies or a B.Ed in Early Years Paediatric Nursing or a BA in Social Work Studies.

Other students have progressed into employment in a variety of early years settings, e.g. as nursery supervisors, pre-school leaders, crche leaders, support workers of children with special educational needs, nursery nurses, nannies, holiday reps.

What the students say

Having just attended interviews for teacher training, this course has given me good opportunities and experience for moving on to University.

Stephanie Jenner

Other useful information

Excellent results that are well above the national average.

You will be required to pass a police check to work with children in the community.

There will be national examinations throughout the first year.

If you are considering progressing onto teaching, it is essential to have GCSEs (grades A-C) in Maths, English and a Science.

The CACHE Diploma is currently equivalent to 3 A Levels.