Diploma in Childcare and Education (Diploma)

Diploma in Childcare and Education (Diploma)
Level: Advanced Level 3

Awarding Body: CACHE (Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education)

Course Content:
The Award/Certificate/Diploma in Child Care and Education is a full-time modular training course. Students learn about children at different stages in their growth and development from 0 - 7yrs, then 7 - 16yrs, how to care for and educate children and how to work with parents, carers and other professionals in this field. Practical work placements in a variety of professional work settings form an integral part of the Course.

Teaching Learning Methods:
The theory aspects of the Course are taught through teaching sessions where the student will be expected to take an active role in their own learning. Extensive reading is required in order that students gain knowledge and understanding of the subject areas. There is a strong link between the work carried out in placements and the teaching and learning that takes place in College.

Key Skills:
I.T. Key Skills form an integral part of this Course.

Assessment:
Assessment for this Course is based on the completion of each Unit and a minimum attendance of 80%. Most of the course is assessed by written assignments. In addition there is a short answer test paper in the second year.

Practical skills, in Placement, are assessed through the Practice Evidence Record, the Professional Development profile and the Candidate Monitoring Sheets. Each student will be visited, at least twice during each practical placement in order to assess their competence and will complete a reflective diary.

Skills & Commitment:
Students choosing this Course need to be aware of the qualities that make a good Early Years Practitioner. Early Years Practitioners must have a strong belief in the individual worth of all children and a determination to ensure that all children have the opportunity to develop to their full potential. Early Years Practitioners should be imaginative, creative, optimistic and cheerful, have a lively outgoing personality and a good sense of humour. Energy, stamina and patience are also essential qualities as is the ability to work as part of a team.

Cost:
Students are asked to contribute £20.00 towards the cost of a core book, which will be ordered on their behalf.

Progression:
Students who successfully complete the Course are qualified to move directly into full-time employment. Early Years Practitioners are trained to work in a wide range of settings, for example in nursery schools/classes, primary schools, day nurseries, family centres and hospitals. Early Years Practitioners can also be found working as nannies in family homes.

UCAS points are awarded at successful completion of the Diploma.

Entry Requirement:

Students wishing to pursue this course should have the following entry requirements:
- 5 subjects at Grades A-C at GCSE including English Language OR
- GNVQ Intermediate at Merit Standard
A good reference from previous educational establishment concerning attitude, punctuality and attendance is essential.
Each applicant will be interviewed by one of the Course Tutors to assess his / her suitability for the course.