Part Time CACHE NVQs in Children

MODE OF STUDY PT
FE LEVEL 2, 3 and 4
DURATION Level 2: Total of 7 units = 1 year; Level 3: Total of 9 units = 2 years; and Level 4: Total of 9 units = 2 years.
START DATE(S) September 2008
NUMBER OF TEACHING HOURS Variable
TOTAL FEE To be advised. Course fees vary from year to year. However, some applicants may be entitled to Early Years funding for further information.
TOTAL OVERSEAS FEE To be advised
ADDITIONAL COSTS There will be additional expenses for the purchase of student handbook and stationery.
AWARDING/VALIDATION BODY Council for Awards in Children
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Croydon College offers NVQ Levels 2, 3 and 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. Level 2 is suitable for those who work under supervision; Level 3 is suitable for those who work without direct supervision; and Level 4 is suitable for those who work in Managerial positions.

Applicants will need to be working regularly in a Croydon child care setting with at least three months prior experience. For Level 2 voluntary work is acceptable (six hours minimum) but for Level 3 applicants must be in paid employment with at least two days per week (12 hours minimum).

All applicants will be invited to attend an interview and asked to undertake an initial assessment in Literacy and Numeracy to ensure applicants are placed on the appropriate level.


PROGRAMME CONTENT/STRUCTURE
What is an NVQ in CCLD?
The NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development (CCLD) is a professional qualification for men and women working with children from 0-16 years of age. There are two principles, which underpin the award: The welfare of the child is paramount; and practitioners contribute to children's care, learning and development and this is reflected in every aspect of practice and service provision.

How Does it all work?
To complete each unit students will need to show their competence in meeting the standards/criteria in their work practice and support this with knowlege and understanding of why they work the way they do. An Assessor will be allocated to the student, who will visit them in their workplace to observe the way they work. It is imperative that the students setting is committed to help them achieve the qualification.

What is the role of the Assessor?
An Assessor will only be assigned to students after registration and induction process. The Assessor will advise and guide students as to the required evidence, make judgements by carrying out assessments/observations and provide students with ongoing feedback.

How many times will students be assessed/observed?
Observations are carried out 'holisticaly'. Although the qualification is broken down into various units, assessments will not be done unit by unit. The Assessor will observe students and this will form evidence for a number of units. Assessments will need to be carried out on a number of different occasions so as to provide a variation as required for the standards.

How is the evidence of knowlege provided?
This will be through some allocated assignments and via professional discussions, which will draw the depth and breath of knowledge and understanding and also establish the rationale behind the way students work. The criteria for discussion are planned for in advance with students so that they can prepare themselves.

What sort of time commitment do students need to study?
Once a place has been offered, students will be required during the first term to attend and Induction and seven evening workshops; this is mandatory and a college requirement. These workshops will help give students a strong foundation onto the qualification and a complete understanding of the college requirements for completing the Award. Thereafter, students will be able to access training workshops on a weekday evening and/or Saturday morning once every month.


PROGRESSION/CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES
Students will be able to progress through the Levels from 2,3 and 4 and then onto Higher Education to study the Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies at Croydon College.