Early Years and Childcare

You will receive instruction, guidance and encouragement to practise and develop the skills necessary to achieve the award. The course covers a wide range of childcare and educational subjects supporting learners who wish to work in early years or primary education.

The course includes mandatory work experience within a range of childcare and educational settings to complement the knowledge and skills you will learn at College.  You will be expected to complete 365 hours in year one and 385 hours in year two.

Optional trips may be arranged during the course, these trips will have a cost attached and you will be informed of these well in advance.

You will need five GCSEs grade A*/9 to C/4, including English, maths and preferably science, or the Level 3 Award in Early Years Education and Care at merit level or above.

The course is assessed through creative projects, written assignments and time spent and tasks undertaken in vocational work placements.

You will be required to complete an extended project each year, which is externally marked.

Many students progress on to a degree or HNC/HND in areas such as teacher training for employment in education, private homes or playgroup/nurseries.  (Note that GCSE grades C or above in English, maths and Science are required for teacher training).

Employment can be within a range of industries including hospital play workers, nannies, paediatric teaching and social workers.

UCAS Points for this course:

Year One: Level 3 NCFE CACHE Certificate in Childcare and Education

A* (84)

A (72)

B (60)

C (48)

D (36)

Year Two: Level 3 NCFE CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)

A* (168)

A (144)

B (120)

C (96)

D (72)