Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD)

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD)

by: hatthar - 06-12-06 09:19

Hello Everyone

Has anyone thought about doing the Level 4 CCLD or has anyone actually starting doing the level 4 CCLD yet?

IF you have started it, what do you think? And has anyone heard anything good or bad about the course?

I am thinking of starting it in Feb 07 so would be great to hear from anyone who is already doing it.

Thanks

by: hatthar

I take it from that lack of response that either no one has yet applied to do the course or have not heard of it.

As most people know NVQ standards get updated every so many years. This is the latested update. The NVQ's that were called Early Years Care & Education are now going to be called Children's Care Learning & Development.

There will be NVQ's at L2 L3 & L4, as before, the big difference is that there are much fewer manditory units and more option units, so you can make the NVQ suit your individual job more.

I hope some people consider doing the qualification as when i looked at the units on the EXCEL & CACHE websites the range of units looked very exciting.

Hope to hear from someone.

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 29-12-06 16:06

by: hatthar

I am really so suprised that no one has responded to this message. I would have thought it would be a qualification that many experinced professional people work with children would be interested.

As there is such a wide range of option units for this new NVQ Level4 I would have expected lots of people to be interested, as you are able to do it part time in the evenings, and would work with nearly any sort of environment where you could work with children.

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 29-12-06 20:11

by: angelstar

Im not so surprised that not many people have replied to this.

With all the new 'hype, for want of a better word, over foundation degrees, childhood studies degrees and the new EYP status, i would think that level 4 NVQS were slightly out of fashion.

The government want graduate professionals to be working in childcare settings so I would assume that more people are opting for this route now.

Im not saying dont go for the level four or that the NVQ is not as relevant anymore but have you considered taking the foundation degree?

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 30-12-06 12:21

by: hatthar

Thank you anglestar for relpying to my message, and I do see you point of view.

However I do not work in either a nursery or school, and my role does not include curriculum planning, so a foundation or full degree in Childhood Studies would be no use to me, as this is the area they focus on.

I am a Play Specialist and provide therapeutic play for children in hospital, which does require other documentation.

There are also many other professions which relate to children, which don't focus on education & curriculm plans eg nursery nurse working with a health visitor, pre school visitor, nursery nurse in a special care baby unit, home start workers, support workers in children's homes etc, maybe they would like to futher their knowledge.

Since NVQ Standards are updated roughly every 5 years they are definately not out of date. The standards for the child related NVQ have just been updated this year.

I am aware of no National system for reviewing or updateing foundation or full degree's across the board, in any subject.

Also since NVQ's can be studied part time, often in the evenings, they are more accessable to many people, also there is much funding available for NVQ's and not everyone can aford to do a degree! There is also a very wide range of option units to suit any area of child related work, so if you do two different part time roles the NVQ could be still suited to both roles.

I am still surprised that so few early years workers understand the role of a Hospital Play Specialist, and can therefore can not fully access their skills for the children in their care!!!

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 30-12-06 14:34

by: angelstar

i was unaware that you were a hospital play therapist as you did not state this in you previous post. to be honest i know quite little about this profession or what qualifications you need to be one.

also i did think that the level 4 was more to get you into the management side of things.

a childhood studies degree focuses more then just on the curriculum side of childcare, as with the nvq there are a number of compulsory and optional units ranging from legislation to health and so on, which can also cover a wide variety of occupations

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 30-12-06 14:36

by: angelstar

oh and to add degrees can also be studied part time, evenings, long distance etc, and there is alot of government funding for them as the government wants graduates to work in settings.

dont get me wrong im not saying degrees are better then nvqs, just want to put the point accross that there are other options

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 31-12-06 12:46

by: hatthar

Hi anglestar

I really do see that for some people the best option maybe a foundation or full degree in Childhood Studies. However I don't think you need to point out these options as I think it is already clear that most know about these qualifications.

The Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development(CCLD) is really new, which is why I wanted people to know about it. It is not just for management, there is a very wide range of topics in the different Units.

In order to complete the CCLD Level 4 you would need to achieve 4 core units, plus 5 option units. You can choose these 5 units from the wide choice of 29 option units available.

Here are links for information about the CCLD Level 4 details from both Edexcel and CACHE who both offer the course.

http://www.edexcel.org.uk/VirtualContent/94930/CCLDFinal_4profile.pdf

http://www.cache.org.uk/pages/qualifications/pages/qualifications_directory/
pages/early_years_care_and_education/level4/ccld4.pdf

PS I think it is a shame that you know so little about the role of the hospital play specialist, as you would therefore not always be able to ensure the best care for the children with whom you work, if you are not aware of all the possible professionals that could be involved in their care!

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 17-01-07 21:13

by: pinkfairy

I have to disagree with 'angelstar' about the degree. I am starting on the CCLD level 4 and would say it is worth doing and the biggest plus point is you can get it fully funded by your local early years department. As for the degree that is classed as levels 5 & 6! Wouldn't it be better to work your way through the levels instead of jumping ahead and finding your out of your depth!!!!

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 20-01-07 12:35

by: angelstar

For some it would be better to work thorough the levels . I went from A levels (equal to nvq 3) to doing a full degree (level 6) and did not at all feel "out of my depth"

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 25-01-07 11:44

by: hatthar

Hi anglestar

I do understand that you are trying to promote the degree & foundation degree options, but I don't feel there is a need as most early years professionals already know about this route and may have considered it.

I posted this message about the CCLD Level 4 as it was a brand new qualification and people didin't know about it. I think it give people another qualification option to consider.

Hi pinkfairy, I would love to hear more about the course and how you are doing with it?

Also love to hear from anyone else considering or already doing this course.

Thanks

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 25-01-07 12:39

by: janny

Hi I think you should all be aware that if you are considering going for EYPS you wont be considerd without a degree, foundation or otherwise. I have the NVQ and am a year into a foundation degree but because I dont yet have the degree or are nearing completion have been told I cant yet apply for it. Just something else to think about!

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 25-01-07 12:39

by: janny

Hi sorry that should say NVQ 4 in Early Years!!

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 25-01-07 19:58

by: sharon22

hi
i started the ccld level 4 just before in october. its going well so far, but is quite different to the level 3

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 27-01-07 16:56

by: hatthar

Hi

I do understand that you need to hold a degree to be considered for EYPS.

However, if you complete an NVQ level 4 and follow this by also completing a NVQ level 5 & 6, this is equivalent to a degree. Most degrees are 3 years long. An NVQ level 4 is supposed to the equivalent to the first year of a degree, NVQ level 5 - the second year of a degree, NVQ level 6 - third year of a degree.

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 28-01-07 09:16

by: scarlett

that is true hatthar
i have a level 4 but now need to do a level 5 then a level 6 then "the assessment process" which if you have all the relevant degree equivalents and childcare experience would take 3 months

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 28-01-07 12:18

by: hatthar

Hi Sharon22

What you units are you working on at the moment? Do you have to decide what option units you are planning to do at the start or do you have time to think about it? Do you know what option units do you think you will be doing?

Sorry for all the questions, just really interested in the course, was unable to start the course in January due to personal problems, hoping to start it quite soon.

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 28-01-07 17:52

by: sharon22

hi

i am generally researching at the moment, we need a lot of background on theorists which i have made a start on and then research relevant legislation relating to childcare and employment. I do a bit on one assignment then when im bored with that go onto the other, it seems to be working well so far! i have chosen some options but need to choose more, but thers no big hurry. The only thing is a lot of it is cross referenced between the mandatory units & options, so with some planning you can cover a lot on both units with a couple of extra paragraphs. You also need to keep a reflective diary which you do need to start quite early on. im doing 412,414,418 as options so far, its quite differnet from the level 3 but im enjoying it-so far!!
sharon xx

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 09-02-07 22:27

by: sallyQ

Hi Everyone

I started my level 4 a few months ago and am really enjoying it. I am manager and you do need to be a manager to complete the units. I find it relates well to my work and helps with my job. It is not to be undertaken lightly as there is work involved which you have to find time for, amongst everything else u are juggling! I also see it as a stepping stone to use towards the Early Years Proffesional Status.

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 28-03-07 19:48

by: snowy

hi ya im currently doing nvq 4 i am struggling as the manqger is always very helpful you need to make sure your policies etc are up to date and that you have a very good relsionship with your manager Good luck

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 08-04-07 12:24

by: sarah kwiatkowski

i have just started my ccld level 4 and was wondering if anyone know of any websites or textbooks i could use to help me?

Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 19-04-07 21:37

by: KELJACK

I started mt ccld 4 in january and feel i have chosen the better option. Whilst i am progressing and improving my practice my manager has stared the degree and her first assignment is the developing child ( something i did as a level 2 )

RE: Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 18-06-08 19:58

by: chatters

HI CAN YOU CONFIRM WHAT I HAVE TO DO TO DO A LEVEL 5 IF I HAVE FINISHED MY 4

THANKS

RE: Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 03-02-08 14:07

by: marie mcgrath

hello

i am a nneb working in manchester and myself and my colleague are at the moment doing the ccld level 4 course. It is exciting but trying to get my head around it at the moment. just stared unit 403 and putting into words without committing plagarism is the problem as the unit is all theory based

 Hope others consider doing it as it is a step up the ladder for us old nneb's

Thanks

marie 

 

 

by: brown owl

I  have just begun my level 4 nvq CCLD, my manager has just completed hers through the open university.  I am finding it a bit hard going - on my first unit about Policies etc it is a lot different from the NVQ 3 which I completed a few years ago!!

I was wondering if any one could help with layout and what things you have to include when putting your answers together, also I have the L4/5 book, but is there any thing else that might help get too grips with it.

 look forward to hearing from someone#

RE: RE: Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 20-11-07 15:27

by: squish

I did not know that there was a L4/5 book.

What is the full title/details please.

Squish

by: brown owl

any body out there

by: sprite

hi there brown owl, im afraid i cant really help you as i'm about to start my level 4 on thursday so i'm a bit clueless at the moment, but if i find out of any books that are beneficial i'll let you know!! Til then good luck, i must say i'm feeling quite positive after reading some of the previous posts, i did level2, 2 years ago, since then i've become senco and deputy, so im hoping that this is the right course for me!!

RE: RE: Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 18-11-07 14:00

by: brown owl

Hi there sprite

Have typed up some information regarding legislation and am working from the knowledge and understanding, although there does seem to be a lot to cover in this unit.

How are you getting on now and what unit are you starting with.

I also use the Silky Steps Forum for advice.  If you want to accessit you need to go to www.silkysteps.com and click on the forums part - you will see a thread for NVQ4.

hope this is helpful

brown owl 

 

 

by: squish

Hi Brown Owl

Started level 4 in September. Really useful for my job and improving our nursery as a whole.

We are writing 'reflective accounts' on for example a staff meeting and drawing in theory about communication, management styles etc.Businessballs.com very good for research. Also reflective account on children's observations - your role- including theory/theorists. There are lots of 'work products' you can use as evidence for units once you get started.The trick is to cross reference and use the same work products for various reasons.

Still don't know about a book for level4/5 though. Heard about a memory stick that can be purchased from e bay though that covers evidence for some units.

The level 3 textbook very useful for theorists and legislation.

Regards, squish

by: beccles

Hi,

I have found it very interesting reading these posts. I am NVQ Level 3 qualified and would love to start my level four but a lot of people keep advising me to go the Foundation Degree route. To be honest Im not convinced I am cut out for that and would rather do it in stages.

I was not aware that there were Level 5's and 6's. I am even finding it difficult to find somewhere doing Level Four. Where is everyone else doing it?

by: hatthar

Hi

 As far as I know the three Examination Boards that offer L4 qualifications relating to children are:

City & Guilds www.city-and-guilds.co.uk

Cache www.cache.org.uk

Edexcel www.edexcel.org.uk

If you visit their websites you should be able to find out which centres local to you are offering them.  If you can't find this info on their website, you can send them an email and they should send you the details.

Edexcel are currently offering quite a few L4 & L5 qualifications and I understand that L6 ones are being developed. Here is a link to all their current qualifications I think there are quite a few to choose from:

http://hsc.edexcel.org.uk/home/quals/

Hope this is helpful

by: Sharina

Hello Everyone

It is so good to hear positive and enthusiastic comments about NVQ CCLD - L4. I have recently set up my own training centre accredited by CACHE and have a high level of demand for this award. Training is as individual as the person undertaking it so a vocational route would suit some learners and the degree would suit others. My advice is to choose what suits YOU and your career path. I wish you all well whatever route you choose. For some good publications for level 4 study look on the heinemann website.

RE: RE: Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 31-07-08 13:15

by: fireball

I am looking for a training centre who do and NVQ level without any luck 

by: Sarich

It is really interesting hearing some of your comments about the CCLD L4.  I too am a manager of a training compnay thats offers L2 L3 and L4 CCLD.  This qualifications is a great way for those that do not want to the foundation degree to gain a Level 4 qualification for something that they most probably do day in day out and will now be recognised for it.  The NVQ is not old fashioned as I heard it put before and is just as recognised in the childcare sector as the foundation degree!  Well done and Good Luck to those of you who are doing this and for those of you who are thinking about it - JUST DO IT, there is also plenty of funding available for this, so it shouldnt cost you anything. 

by: janny

I agree, the NVQ's are a good qualification and as I have said on other posts here it all depends on the assessor, I always make my learners work hard for their qualification as I am not prepared to send them out into the workplace as competent if they are not!, unfortunately not all assessors are the same and I have seen alot of bad practice out there!

As for the Foundation degree, surely this is Level 5? I'm doing the Fd and believe it is, then moving onto a BA which I understnad is L6. The NVQ4 only counts as the 1st year of Fd/Degree

by: anne

Hi

I might be a bit late with this reply.

I have just qualified after completing my level 4 and have found it valuable to my work and also it has boosted my confidence.

I really enjoyed the course and got loads of support from the tutors. I did it part time through Lancaster University.

Good luck

by: Annie

So interesting to read the comments after the initial reluctance to reply. As an ex employer, assessor and trainer of nursery staff I would emphasise that it is the ability to translate the theory from class into practice that decides the value of the course undertaken. i have had two fully qualified (degree) teachers who could not fill in one of our simple planning sheets and failed to cope with their group of ten children. I have had staff with just about every qualificatyion going - many  of them have sadly had little good practice to model themselves on in placement  NVQ's can be excellent if the teaching is good and the assessments are carried out  with integrity. Sometimes, sadly, this is not the case but at the end of the day whatever the course if you read around your subject, consider issues carefully and develop your practice accordingly you will be an asset to any Early Years setting. I still go into nurseries as part of my job and see lots of training courses being taken on board yet I can observe basic care practice mistakes blatantly evident. With all the extra training this should not be the case, surely? Any way, any person willing to work hard to know more about their job should choose the course which fits them best and give themselves a pat on the back for getting off their bottom and learning more about their job!

Annie

by: Shakey

Hi,

I am considering doing the NVQ level 4 this April.I am an Area Manager at the moment with limited time actually working in a nursery setting with the children and staff. I am responsible for compiling the standards, policies and procedures along with audits, training and recruitement for the company.

Would I be able to complete this course without direct involvement in a nursery setting. I am keen to develop my skills as a senior manager since qualifying as a Nursery Nurse many years ago!

Thanks,

Lucy.

RE: RE: Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 30-01-08 16:04

by: bluestar

Hello everyone

I have just started my NVQ Level 4 CCLD today. I am deputy manager at a pre school and have not undertaken any big training for a while!! Im hoping that i can fit my course work in around my morning work and my own children!

At the moment Im just choosing my opptional units and filling in all the paperwork.

by: ali

Hi everyone...just surfing around and found all you lot.  I am currently doing level 3, but what I was wondering is....my qualification will be CCLD level 3 with CACHE (I am doing it home learning)...however, is this the same as a NVQ CCLD level 3? or not?

by: Mia

 I have just started my level 4 and as a deputy of a nursery find that it is just basically putting what you do everyday onto paper, I do find it useful and think that nursery workers that do work in a nursery as well as do nvq's are often the better workers then those who just go to uni, I dont think that it is fair that after working in a nursery all my life that beacuse i dont have a degree i cant start on the foundation degree I think it makes people feel that they are not good enough regardless of experience.

by: Mia

 Saying that if anyone knows of any good books or tips they would be greatly appreciated! x x x

by: Angela Blanche

Hello to all of you,

I did my CACHE level 1 (excellent practical experience, and what a laugh) at the same time as my level 2 NVQ CCLD. I really enjoyed both courses and managed to get the NVQ done in 6mths. I am now at college doing CACHE 3. I am bored, we just go over the same stuff all the time. To be fair my tutor IS excellent, but this is not my way of learning. Once I have finished the course in July, I WILL be looking for another NVQ qualification to study. As you can see I wholly promote NVS's. I am a very busy mum of two kids and a youth leader, and struggle to find the time to complete the "assigments". At the end of the day, NVQ's provide one very important thing, an objective assessor who observes your practice, it doesn't matter how good you are at studying ! if you can't interact with the kids and their parents/carers I would certainly not employ you,as either a pre school practioner or youth leader. Good luck and god bless to all those who are studying (whatever the level)

Angie x

by: auntiesteffi

Hello everyone,

Have found all these posts very interesting having started Level 4 CCLD 2 weeks ago. Have previously completed L2 and L3 and have been told by tutor that upon completion of 4 can start 18 months into Foundation Degree.  However as a graduate (all-be-it in something completely unrelated to childcare) I am able to go straight for Professional Status - even though I am not a manager.  It seems that the profession are desperate for graduates and I have had to think long and hard about delaying EYPS in order to gain more experience.  Just hope I'm doing the right thing taking the 'longer route'.  Good luck to everyone - a look at the standards confirm it's a daunting task - especially with a young family and full-time job!

by: jaime30

HI all,

I'm an nvq trainer/assessor.  I assess both level 2 and level 3.  I think you need to think about what is best for you and what your prefered learning style is.  If you prefer hands on experience while working then the level 4 is the way to go.  If you prefer studying and writing essays and have the time to do that then maybe the degree is the way to go.

My only problem with the whole professional status thing that the government want us all to work to is that unfortunately the pay within childcare -  even at management level does NOT reflect the amount of training and education that you need to gain this status - maybe the government should look at this.

Anyway,enough of me getting on my soapbox about pay etc, the NVQ's are only as good as the people completing them and if you can put in the work and complete it to a high standard then it is a worthwhile qualification to do.

by: chatters

HI every one

very interesting to hear your comments,i am just coming to the end of finishing my ccld 4 have used alot of knowlegde from my ccld 3 , did start my foundation degree but working full time as a deputy play leader and having a family and LIFE decided to  do ccld 4 first didnt know i could use this as my first year of the degree ,found the theories part a bit tricky and over the top hopefully done it right if any one knows were i can get this information ,the book i used for the ccld4 was advanced early years care and education for level 4 and 5 any one thinking of doing it go for it especially if you have finished you 3 if your a manager or deputy your doing the level 4 all ready!!!                   NICE TO SPEAK TO OTHER PEOPLE WHO ARE MULTI TASKING AND TRYING TO WORK AND STUDY

by: Sally

Help I am new to this. Computers frighten me let alone forums, but I am struggling with 403 task 6. Discuss innate or biological theory verses cognitive models of learning strategies in children. I am a self employed nursery manager and have completed level 2 and 3 and have just started level 4. I think I have made a mistake as all the knowledge should be in my head but I cant put it in writing

Help

RE: RE: Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 22-11-08 16:02

by: moz

Just started my level 4 in october and have just about finished unit 402!!!  Will be starting 403 next week but now i'm worried after reading your post!!! finding it quite difficult already!!!!!!

by: kezza

hi i started the level 4 in august last year and am nearly completed the only unit i got to complete now is the knowledge questions in 403. they are not easy im struggling on question   k4d808 if anyone can help. the name of the level 4/5 book is advanced early years care and education by heinemann i got mine from amazon.

by: fireball

Where have you done your level 4 I am looking at doing it with a private provider acacia training and want to complete in a year 

by: kezza

i have just ben signed off my level 4 now as completed. i did this through college with sure start funding.my tutor came out around once a month to see me at work.

by: fireball

How long did it take to complete NVQ level 4 is it possible to do it in a year

by: Denzel

I have recently completed my Level 4. It took me anout 8 months to complete. I recommend the course, as it is so easy to fit around work.

by: shampoo

Hi,

I started my City and Guilds NVQ 4CCLD in September 07 and have found that research takes up most of the time you will spend on this course.

I have also found that if you do a reasonable amount of research in the begining it will help you through but you must be willing to make the effort.

I have recently found out at an EY update and training session that if you want to do a Foundation Degree in the future you may use two units of the NVQ 4 as  credits towards it.

This course enables you to work as a team leader within the educare system,  supporting and implementing the curriculum and enabling other members of staff to do the same.

by: Jen100

I too am looking at doing level 4 having completed level 3 a few years back. Can anyone recommend any books on the course as the usual searches are bring no title up.

thanks

Jen100

RE: RE: Level 4 in Children's Care Learning & Development (CCLD) - 28-09-08 19:01

by: Tinkerbell

Hi Jen100 ive recently started nvq 4 in ccld and the books i have are Advanced Early Years Care and Education for levels 4 and 5 by Iain MacLeod Brudnell and Early Years Management in Practice by Daly,Byers and Taylor,both books are about 4 years old now but they have proved quite useful

by: caz

I'm doing the level 4 and I'm finding the NVQ level 3 book really useful.  I've been told there are plans to release a level 4 book (it'l probaly be after I've completed my level 4!!) 

by: janes

I live in Essex and want to do the Level 4 but it's not funded - does anyone have any idea how much it will cost - and where can I go to get a good provider?

Thanks!

by: tutu

Like every NVQ it is not a wholly learning endeavour it is to have the work you are doing NOW assessed and rewarded. UNLESS your doing it you will find it incredibly hard to complete it. you have to be managing to the full range ie, appraisals budget training etc. otherwise you are better off doing the foundation degree. 

by: vikki_85

hi,

I've been doind the level 4 for nearly a year know, iam am struggling to find information on theoretical perspectives on self esteem and identity, could anyone help???

thanks

by: jmnichol

Hi Janes,

I also live in essex, southend on sea and have just completed my CCLD 4. This course was funded for me- 80% through surestart and 20% was funded through my setting- which they will recieve back now i have finished the course. i went to the college- Southend Adult Community College in southchurch, southend- and the assessor are fantastic! i dont know how far you live away but think they are starting the course again at the end of jan 09! If you got private it costs around £1600- thats how much mine was anyway- hope this helps! x