Children’s Play, Learning and Development BTEC Foundation/Extended Diploma Level 3

This programme is designed to help you build the knowledge and childcare skills needed when working with children and young people from birth to eight years. It is a level 3 qualification studied over a two year programme.

It is aimed at those who wish to work, or are working at an unsupervised level in the children and young people’s workforce in England. The programme will prepare you to work in a wide range of settings, with different professionals and volunteers who provide services for children and their families.

Practical work-based training forms a large part of this programme. You are required to undertake a minimum of 750 placement hours in a minimum of three different settings, covering the age groups 0-2, 2-5 and 5-8. You will also complete a Practical Evidence Portfolio. You will also engage in GEM and GAP activities to develop your English, maths and employability skills.

The course is for those wishing to work in a specialised field of employment in the 0-8 years age range or continue to higher education.

Course Content

Practical work based training forms a large part of this programme. Theoretical work includes the following modules of study, and several optional modules that are not listed:

Children’s Play, Learning and Development Level 3 units may include:

• Special Educational Needs


• Promoting Children’s Development


• Literacy and Numeracy in Schools


• Supporting Children’s Speech and Language and Communication


• Working with Babies and Young Children

You are required to undertake a minimum of 750 placement hours in a minimum of three different settings, covering the age groups 0-2, 2-5 and 5-8. You will also complete a Practical Evidence Portfolio.

Some units will be internally assessed, using a range of methods; others will be assessed externally and by exam.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs (grades A*-C), usually including English Language and maths, or satisfactory results in a relevant Level 2 qualification, and an interview. A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)* check is also required.

* Please note there is a charge of £44 for a DBS check.

Career Opportunities

This qualification enjoys an excellent reputation for its suitability across the whole spectrum of childcare employment including teaching, children’s centres, day nurseries, schools and social work, special needs and play therapists.

Course Progression

On successful completion of this course you may progress to study for a degree in areas such as social work, primary teaching or early years.

*Please note there is a charge of £44 for a DBS check and all students must have one to progress on this course.

How To Apply

Our aim is to make it as easy as possible to secure your place on your ideal programme.
Simply download and complete the relevant application form and return it to our Admissions team as early as possible.
You can return your completed application form in person or by post to our Colchester
(for applications to Colchester and Clacton) or Braintree campuses:

Admissions

Colchester Institute

Sheepen Road

Colchester

CO3 3LL

Admissions

The College at Braintree

Church Lane

Braintree

CM7 5SN

If you are currently at school, please check with them as some schools will be coordinating applications centrally.
If you have any further questions about the application process, please visit our
Frequently Asked Questions page.

Applying for a Full-Time course

Our term starts the week commencing 5th September 2016,
however you may have different start dates depending on the course.
You will receive the details of your first day over the summer period,
but if you are unsure please call our Course Enquiries line on (01206) 712777.

You will need to complete an application form for our full-time courses,
our full-time application form can be downloaded here:

Download Application Form - Full-Time Courses, Apprenticeships & Access Courses (PDF)

Applicants will receive an acknowledgement email or card within one week of the application being received by our Admissions team,
if you do not receive this you should contact the team on (01206) 712777 to check that your application has been received.

*Are you 19 or over?

If you are 19 or over on the day your course starts, and your course is an approved qualification at level 3 or above, you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of your tuition.

Please call (01206) 712777 for more information.