Starting out - entry and Level 2 qualifications in childcare and early years education

ENTRY-LEVEL COURSES

CACHE entry-level qualifications demonstrate that candidates have the basic knowledge, skills and abilities to apply learning in everyday situations, in which they must be supervised. They currently provide a step towards further education and training.

CACHE reports healthy take-up for its Level 2 and Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Childcare and Education for 14 to 19-year-olds, which was launched in 2007 to provide relevant skills.

CACHE also offers the Entry Level Certificate in Preparation for Childcare which links to Basic Skills and provides training in caring for children at Home.

The CACHE Foundation Award for Caring for Children involves a multiple-choice paper and placement in a setting, and is considered a Level 1 award.

CACHE LEVEL 2 AWARD/CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA IN PLAYWORK

A nationally recognised qualification which reflects the Playwork national occupational standards and is underpinned by the Playwork principles.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: No formal entry requirements, but learners must be at least 16 years of age. Duration: 30 guided learning hours for the Award, 80 for the Certificate, and 130 for for the Diploma.

Methods of study: Guided learning, practical work and personal study.

Course content: Units 1 and 2 for the Award which offer an introduction to playwork and planning playwork activities. The Certificate comprises units 1 and 2 plus units 3 and 4, which cover playwork provision to support development, and the legal responsibilities of playworkers. The Diploma comprises units 1-4 plus units 5 and 6 which cover playwork and the wider network, and reflective practice.

Career moves: The Level 2 Award/Certificate are suitable for those new to playwork or working supervised within a setting. The Diploma provides a qualification for those who don't have full responsibility for the setting but make a significant contribution to supporting play. Candidates can progress from the Award and Certificate to complete the Diploma. Candidates can progress from the Diploma to a related Level 3 qualification, such as the Level 3 NVQ in Playwork or the Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Playwork.

CACHE LEVEL 2 AWARD/CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA IN CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION

These courses prepare learners to work in a supervised capacity with children from 0-16 and their families in a variety of settings within children's services.

Course provider: FE colleges, technical colleges and schools.

Entry qualifications: There are no formal entry requirements. Learners must be aged from 14 to complete the Award and Certificate, and the Diploma is for learners aged 16 upwards.

Duration: 120 guided learning hours for the Award, 300 for the Certificate and 420 for the Diploma, plus a further 390 recommended hours working in practical placements.

Methods of study: Multiple-choice question papers, written assignments, portfolio of evidence and practical work. Course content: Units 1 and 2 for the Award which offer an introduction to working with children and the developing child, units 1 -5 for the Certificate which look at safe, healthy and nurturing environments for children, children and play, and professional communication within the workplace. For the Diploma, candidates must achieve units 1-6 plus one optional unit from a choice of five. Unit 6 is a practical unit in which learners will get the opportunity to work with children, carry out planned play activities and observe professional practice.

Career moves: After completing this qualification, learners can undertake job roles such as early years assistant, pre-school assistant, nursery assistant and special educational needs assistant. However, the Award and Certificate on their own do not qualify learners to practise in the workplace. Learners can also progress to other qualifications, such as the Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Childcare and Education, or the Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN PRE-SCHOOL PRACTICE

CACHE and the Pre-School Learning Alliance have joined forces to develop this award, which is designed for those wishing to work at a supervised level in the pre-school sector.

Course provider: Colleges, adult and community education centres, throughout Pre-School Learning Alliance settings and in a wide variety of community-based settings.

Entry qualifications: Suitable for those aged 16 and over working in a pre-school/playgroup/nursery setting.

Duration: 180 recommended guided learning hours.

Methods of study: Four units of study with at least 150 hours in an early years setting.

Course content: Covers an introduction to pre-school practice, the needs of young children, working in partnership with parents in pre-school settings, supporting the care and education of children aged 1-5 years.

Career moves: Candidates can move on to CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice, CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

This award prepares candidates to work in a supervised role, competently, safely and effectively, with children up to the age of 16.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: For those aged 14 and above.

Duration: Can be taken as a full- or part-time course with 210 recommended learning hours.

Methods of study: A multiple-choice question paper and three internally assessed units.

Course content: The course covers principles and values underpinning children's care, learning and development, supporting the provision of safe and effective environments for children, supporting children and young persons' development and supporting children's play and learning.

Career moves: Progression to NVQ Level 2 in Children's Care, Learning and Development or CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education.

CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE in Supporting teaching and learning in schools

An all-round course helping candidates to learn how to support teachers in schools.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: There are no formal entry requirements but learners must be over 16 years of age.

Duration: 120 guided learning hours, with 120 recommended practical hours.

Methods of study: Learners must complete two assignments, which are practice-related.

Course content: The two units cover the role of teaching assistants in supporting teaching and learning and delivery of the curriculum within a school.

Career moves: Suitable job roles include teaching assistant, learning support assistant, special needs assistant. Learners can also progress to the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, or the Level 3 NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS CARE AND EDUCATION (WELSH MEDIUM)

Taught and assessed in Welsh or bilingually, so encouraging and promoting the Welsh language and culture.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Candidates must be 16 years or over. While no formal qualifications are required, you may need to show you have sufficient skills to undertake a Level 2 award. Candidates need to be working in either a paid, voluntary or placement basis in and across a range of early years settings operating in a Welsh context. You do not have to be a member of the Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin to undertake this qualification.

Duration: 180 guided learning hours. Part time.

Methods of study: Four units must be successfully completed.

Course content: Units covered include the development and needs of children from birth to four years 11 months, providing experiences and activities for young children, working within Welsh-medium settings. A work placement is also recommended.

Career moves: Progression to the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Care and Education (Welsh Medium) or other Level 3 qualifications.

CACHE LEVEL 2 AWARD/CERTIFICATE IN SUPPORT WORK IN SCHOOLS (SWS2)

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Candidates should be aged 16 or over and be working under supervision in a support role with children or young people of school age.

Duration: There are no set hours as it depends on the learner's ability to gather and log the required evidence.

Methods of study: Work-based, so you will need to be employed or working as a volunteer within a school setting.

Course content: There are two pathways to this qualification: the Award and the Certificate. The Award consists of two mandatory units and one optional unit, and the Certificate is two mandatory and two optional units.

Career moves: Progression to the CACHE NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants, CACHE Level 3 Certificate for Teaching Assistants or CACHE Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Support Work in Schools.

CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMA IN PLAYWORK

These are qualifications for anyone who works or wants to work with school-aged children (typically four to 16) in a variety of settings, which could include after-school clubs, adventure playgrounds, play schemes or as school lunch supervisors.

Course provider: FE colleges, employers and some trusts.

Entry qualifications: No formal requirements but learners must be at least 16 years old.

Duration: 90 hours for the Certificate, 180 hours for the Diploma.

Methods of study: Learners study a series of topic units, which are each assessed by an assignment. The course has a practical/work-based focus.

Course content: Compulsory and optional units vary across the Certificate and the Diploma. They cover a range of issues including health and safety, communicating with children, inclusive playwork and healthy eating.

Career moves: Learners could seek employment as a playworker, or in a variety of settings which involve contact with children. They could also continue to Level 3 qualifications including the NVQ in Playwork.

CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE EARLY YEARS SETTING

This award ensures that candidates gain the essential knowledge and skills required to work safely and effectively in early years settings in the first few weeks and months of work.

Course provider: FE colleges, employers and some trusts.

Entry qualifications: No formal requirements, but participants need to be based in a workplace.

Duration: None recommended.

Methods of study: Work placements and written assignments.

Course content: There are five key areas that include the principles and values of early years care and education; working safely with children; working with children to promote their physical development; working with children to promote their emotional, social, intellectual and language development; and developing personal skills and knowledge.

Career moves: Provides access to NVQ.

CITY & GUILDS PROGRESSION AWARD: EARLY YEARS CARE AND EDUCATION LEVELS 2 AND 3

These awards provide a valuable alternative for those who do not yet have access to real workplace experience.

Course provider: FE colleges, employers and trusts.

Entry qualifications: No formal requirements.

Duration: 180 learning hours, plus 120 hours of practical assignments.

Methods of study: Written and work-based assignments.

Course content: Core components include understanding the role of the childcare worker, investigating the principles of working with children aged one to eight, preparing to contribute to the protection of children and preparing to work with parents.

Career moves: The Level 2 award supports the NVQ 2 in Children's Care, Learning and Development. Level 3 is for those who wish to progress, but do not have the full workplace experience to give them access to the NVQ 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development.

CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

This award ensures that candidates gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to work safely and effectively in early years settings in the first few weeks and months of work.

Course provider: FE colleges, employers and some trusts.

Entry qualifications: No formal requirements, but need to be based in workplace setting.

Duration: No recommended duration.

Methods of study: Work placements and written assignments.

Course content: Core units include physical, social and emotional development, good practice in childcare settings, and activities for developing communication skills.

Career moves: Provides access to NVQ.

City and Guilds Level 2 award/certificate in support work in schools

These qualifications are designed to meet the needs of candidates who work as support workers in the schools sector and ensure the development of knowledge and skills relevant to school support work.

Course provider: FE colleges, employers and some trusts.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 16 years old and in an employment position which will allow them to fulfil the evidence/experience requirements of the course.

Duration: Learning structure is flexible depending on the learner's circumstances.

Methods of study: Learners study a series of topic units which are each assessed by observation in the workplace.

Course content: Core units cover exploring and responding to the needs of school pupils and the values, policies, roles and responsibilities of schools. Optional units vary across the Award and Certificate.

Career moves: Learners could progress to associated Level 3 studies in Support Work in Schools, including the Level 3 Award, Certificate or the NVQ.

NCFE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN DEVELOPING SKILLS WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

An introductory qualification that aims to enable candidates to develop a basic awareness of potential careers in working with children and young people from birth to 15 years.

Course provider: Colleges, schools and community centres.

Entry qualifications: For anyone interested in working with children. Minimum entry age 14.

Duration: 90 hours including 30 hours of work placement.

Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.

Course content: Four units cover professional and personal development for those aspiring to work with children and young people, contributing to the provision of equal opportunities for children and young people, practical support for maintaining a safe environment and providing a range of activities.

Career moves: Students can progress to other Level 2 or Level 3 qualifications.

NCFE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR EARLY YEARS PRACTICE

An all-round course for those early years staff who are currently working under supervision in a daycare setting and wish to follow a career in childcare/early years practice.

Course provider: FE colleges, local authority adult education schemes and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Candidates must be aged 16 or above. The course is suitable for those working as Level 2 assistants.

Duration: 120 hours including 40 hours of work placement.

Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.

Course content: Units cover contributing to and maintaining a safe environment for children under eight, contributing to the provision of equal opportunities, providing appropriate play activities, and the early years curriculum. There are optional units - working with babies in a creche and working with pre-school playgroups.

Career moves: Boosts prospects for those wanting to begin a career in childcare.

NCFE LEVEL 2 award/CERTIFICATE/Extended Certificate in supporting teaching and learning in schools

These qualifications enable learners to understand the roles and responsibilities of those involved in supporting teaching and learning in schools, and provide an opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge required to do this effectively.

Course provider: Colleges and community centres.

Entry qualifications: No formal entry requirements but learners must be at least 16 years old.

Duration: 60 guided learning hours for the award, 150 for the Certificate and 330 for the Extended Certificate.

Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.

Course content: Compulsory and optional units vary across the Award, Certificate and the Extended Certificate, but cover issues including health and safety, supporting literacy and numeracy, observing and reporting on children's behaviour and supporting special educational needs or disabilities.

Career moves: Students can progress to other NCFE Level 3 qualifications and specialisations.

EDEXCEL LEVEL 2 BTEC CERTIFICATE IN CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Approved as a technical certificate for the Children's Care, Learning and Development Advanced Apprenticeship (England)/Modern Apprenticeship (Wales).

Course provider: Schools, FE and technical colleges.

Entry qualifications: If without formal qualifications, candidates are expected to have related work experience.

Duration: 360 guided learning hours.

Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.

Course content: Core units include principles and values underpinning the care, learning and development sector, supporting the provision of safe and effective childcare environments, supporting children's and young persons' development, supporting children's play and learning.

Career moves: Progression to a Level 3 qualification or a Level 2 NVQ.

EDEXCEL LEVEL 2 BTEC CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS CARE AND EDUCATION

Approved as a technical certificate for the Early Years Care and Education Modern Apprenticeship framework.

Course provider: Schools, FE and technical colleges.

Entry qualifications: If without formal qualifications, candidates need related work experience.

Duration: 180 guided learning hours - no prescribed professional hours.

Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.

Course content: Core units include physical, social and emotional development, good practice in childcare settings, and activities for developing communication skills.

Career moves: Progression to a Level 3 qualification or a Level 2 NVQ.

EDEXCEL LEVEL 2 BTEC CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Provides the knowledge and practical application of skills for teaching assistants, who work largely under supervision.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: No formal entry requirements.

Duration: 180 guided learning hours. No work placement hours are specified, but work placement is necessary to be able to undertake the course.

Methods of study: Work-based and written work.

Course content: Five units covering learning environments, classroom practices, supporting oracy, literacy and numeracy, use of ICT, and supporting children's well-being and welfare.

Career moves: NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistants or Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Certificate for Teaching Assistants.

NVQ LEVEL 2 IN CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Awarded by City & Guilds, CACHE, Edexcel, EDI, Care Training East Midlands and the Open University. A widely recognised, practical qualification undertaken while working. Level 2 is for those who are working, or will be working, under supervision and doing a wide range of activities.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Learrners should be at least 16 years old, and should be working under supervision in face-to-face roles with children, young people and families.

Duration: There are no set hours as it depends on the learner's ability to gather and log the required evidence.

Methods of study: An approved assessor will visit participants in their workplace to assess practical competence, knowledge and understanding. Candidates will also need to submit a portfolio to demonstrate their competence in all areas of the Award.

Course content: There are seven units, six mandatory and one option topic. Topics that are covered include helping to keep children safe, supporting children's development, play and learning, and preparing environments to meet the needs of children.

Career moves: Progression to NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development, CACHE Level 3 Certificate of Professional Development in Work with Children and Young People.

NVQ LEVEL 2 IN PLAYWORK

Awarded by City & Guilds, CACHE, Edexcel. Provides a progression qualification for those working at assistant level in a playwork environment with children aged from four upwards.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 16 years old, and must be employed or volunteering in a playwork setting for the whole period of the qualification.

Duration: Half-day sessions will be held and built around the candidate's prior and existing experience. Candidates will be expected to participate fully in group work and discussions. Completion is expected within a 12-month period.

Methods of study: Work- based learning.

Course content: Six mandatory units including supporting the protection of children from abuse, supporting children and young people's play, positive relationships in the playwork setting, health and safety in the play environment.

Career moves: Paves the way to level 3 study - CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork, NVQ Level 3 in Playwork (participants must be supervising other play-workers to take this award).

NVQ LEVEL 2 IN SUPPORTING TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SCHOOLS

Awarded by CACHE, City & Guilds. Care Training East Midlands and Edexcel. The qualification is for people working or hoping to work as teaching assistants, or exisiting childcare staff who want to move into schools.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 16 years of age.

Duration: Depends on the learner's ability to gather and log the required evidence.

Methods of study: Work-based learning.

Course content: Mandatory units include: providing support for learning and keeping children safe. Optional units include: supporting literacy and numeracy activities, observing pupil performance and supporting play.

Career moves: Roles include teaching assistant, special needs assistant, learning support assistant. After this qualification, learners can progress on to the Level 3 NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

CASE STUDY: TRAINEE NURSERY ASSISTANT: SOFIEA KHAN

Sofiea Khan is on an apprenticeship at Ravensthorpe Children's Place Nursery in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The 21-year-old was taken on by the nursery last August and is currently studying for her Level 2 NVQ at the same time.

After doing her GCSEs she left school and embarked on a beauty therapy course at college. After a year she realised it wasn't for her and left and worked for a couple of years.

'I didn't like my job and I decided I needed to do something I really enjoyed. As I love children I decided to do childcare. A&R Training Services put me on to an apprenticeship scheme and found me the placement at Children's Place Nursery,' she says.

The course will take Sofiea 14 months and then she plans to do her Level 3.

'I work four days at the nursery and then I do one day at college. It is ideal for me as I like working and studying at the same time. It enables you to learn things and then put them into practice. It really helps me to cement what I learn at college.

'I chose this way of learning as I am earning and I thought it would help my learning. At college we learn about practical things like bottle feeding and how to change nappies, and also child protection issues. Then, at the nursery, you are actually doing it all for real,' she says.

Sofiea works with children aged from six months to two years old.

'We do activities ranging from messy play and singing time to sand play. I enjoy the creative side most as I think it helps the children to show their individual personalities.'

Eventually she hopes to go to university and become a child psychologist. 'I like observing people.'

But that is all in the future. For now she is happy in her job.

'I love working here. When I came for the interview, they said, "When do you want to start?" and I said, "Tomorrow." I have been here ever since,' she says.

CCLD APPRENTICESHIPS

A Children's Care, Learning & Development (CCLD) Apprenticeship is a combination of on- and off-the-job education and training which involves working with children from birth to 16.

It is available at Levels 2 and 3. Apprentices work towards a technical qualification and also learn key skills in literacy and numeracy, and in Paediatric First Aid.

Specific qualifications candidates take will be:

- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development

- Key skills at Level 1 or 2 in Communication and Application of Number

- Technical Certificate at Level 2 or 3

- Paediatric First Aid Certificate

CCLD Apprenticeships are fully funded for those between 16 and 18.

www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/apprenticeships.