Careers and Training
New Level 3 for college learners on the way
The Children's Workforce Development Council is supporting the awarding body Edexcel in the development of a new Level 3 qualification for younger learners.
CWDC says the BTEC Certificate in Child Development, Learning and Play will complement but not replace the existing Level 3 Children and Young People's Workforce diploma. This is in line with support given to CACHE for its extended Level 3 diploma, which is also currently in development.
Thom Crabbe, CWDC national manager for early years, said, 'The new BTEC Certificate will be a knowledge-based qualification, designed mainly for full-time college-based learners between 16 and 18 years old with limited experience working in the sector.
'The Edexcel qualification will not be an alternative to the Level 3 Diploma and will not confer occupational competence. It is likely to be offered alongside the Diploma from 2012, providing extended learning for younger learners.'
Author and early years consultant Penny Tassoni is working with Edexcel to design the BTEC, which she is determined will be fit for purpose. 'This qualification will provide a high focus on child development which will give learners a solid foundation for working with children,' she says. 'There will also be strong coverage around the importance of play and how this supports the curriculum, and on the role of the key person.'
Ms Tassoni feels that an understanding of child development feeds into all areas of practice, and is vitally important for younger, inexperienced learners. 'Practitioners need a solid understanding of child behaviour at different stages so they can create a stimulating environment. This understanding is also key to health and safety.'
Nursery employers such as Bright Horizons are keen to feed into the process of designing the BTEC. Nicola Amies, early years director, says 'Currently qualifications are not giving staff the level of knowledge they need when it comes to child development. Looking at the unit coverage in the award Penny is developing, this is very much what we, as an employer, would be looking for.'
Like the extended CACHE Level 3 diploma, the BTEC will carry UCAS points.
- BTEC www.btec.co.uk/ccld
