Cache childcare

childcare & education Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

Exam Board: CACHE

Do you want to gain knowledge about how young children learn and develop?

Do you want to develop the skills of an early years practitioner so that you can work as part of a team in an early years setting?

Do you want to develop your practice and academic skills so that you can apply to study in higher education?

Is Childcare & Education for you?

You must have achieved at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or above, including at least a grade C in GCSE English or Maths. You may be able to study English OR Mathematics GCSE if you haven’t achieved a grade C. You recognise that working with young children is a demanding but rewarding career.

You are prepared to work hard to develop your knowledge and skills in a variety of childcare placements organised by College.

You are a good communicator and well organised.

Childcare demands the development of the study skills required to build the knowledge and skills required of a Level 3 practitioner.

You will need to complete and pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check so you can attend placements.

You should have a genuine and proven interest in working with and supporting children and their families. You will be asked to explain this during your College interview.

What will I learn?

Year 1

How will I be assessed?

Year 1: This qualification is made up of units each representing a small step of learning and will be graded a Pass or Refer. You will be assessed on your knowledge through the completion of short assignments and on your skills through observation of your work role in the setting.

CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children & Young People’s Workforce (QCF) Communication, personal development and professional practice in children's settings How to promote equality and inclusion in children’s settings The principles and values which underpin early years practice The knowledge and skills required to promote babies ‘and young children’s development Safeguarding children’s health and safety , welfare and wellbeing , promoting positive outcomes for young children Developing positive relationships with children, young people and others involved in their care Working parents and other professionals

Year 2 Extended Diploma for the Children & Young People’s Workforce (QCF) Theories of children and/or young person’s care or development The role of policies in children and/or young people’s settings An introduction to leadership and management The development of study skills and research to support practice Work with families Working with a range of professionals Approaches to managing behaviour

Year 2: Units of learning will be assessed in the same way as Year 1 and graded Pass or Refer. There are extended units which assess, build and develop the skills required to study in higher education. These extended assignments are set and marked externally. Once graded, they offer a final grade for your Extended Diploma enabling you to apply to study in higher education.

What activities can I get involved in?

A variety of practical placements with children aged between 0-7 years across the Wirral will be organised to support your studies. You will be supported by a Placement Officer and College Tutor who will help you continually develop your practice. You will meet visiting speakers including employment agencies and specialist organisations who help young children and their families. Practical activities and visits take place in the local area including Forest School activities, the local urban farm, the local play council and children’s hospice. You can also learn British Sign Language and achieve a qualification in First Aid which will help you to carry out your role in the workplace The College has lots of exciting enrichment and C.V building opportunities including the chance to earn the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award, learn a new skill, learn a language, join a club, take up or develop a sport or take on a new challenge. See the College Prospectus for further information about what is on offer.

Where does it lead?

The Diploma is recognised as being the best start to a career in the childcare sector. It could lead into local employment after College in a Pre-school, Day Nursery, Children’s Centre, Reception class in a Primary School, be a Registered Childminder or Nanny There are also many opportunities available nationally or internationally and plenty of scope for career progression. The Extended Diploma can also meet the entry requirements for a vast array of degrees available within the Childcare, Social Care or Education field.

Observing and planning Promoting children’s learning and development

Expect more from your sixth form Facebook.com/birkenheadsixthformcollege

@BSFC

tel: 0151 652 5575 email: enrol@bsfc.ac.uk

bsfc.ac.uk