Next moves - Level 3 qualifications in childcare and early years education

CACHE LEVEL 3 AWARD/CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA IN SUPPORT WORK IN SCHOOLS (SWS-3)

This qualification provides skills, knowledge and understanding, enabling candidates to make a more valuable and effective contribution to supporting work in schools.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 18 years of age. Duration: There is no set number of 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 three pathways to this qualification: the Award, the Certificate and the Diploma. The Award consists of two mandatory units, the Certificate is two mandatory and two optional units, and the Diploma is two mandatory and four optional units.

Career moves: Progression to a Level 4 qualification such as CACHE NVQ Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development (NVQCCLD-L4).

CACHE LEVEL 3 AWARD/CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA IN CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION

These qualifications are designed to offer the most up-to-date and relevant training to reflect the Early Years Foundation Stage and the latest sector developments. They provide knowledge and understanding of child development.

Course provider: FE colleges, sixth-form colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Candidates must be 16 years and above.

Duration: 120 guided learning hours for the Award, 360 for the Certificate, and 870 for the Diploma, plus a further 750 hours in practical placements.

Methods of study: Practical placements, written assignments/tests.

Course content:

At Award level, units cover an introduction to working with children and child development. At Certificate level, units cover supporting children, keeping children safe and principles underpinning the role of the practitioner. At Diploma level, units cover promoting a healthy environment for children, play and learning in children's education, nutrition and healthy food for children, and working with children with special needs.

Career moves: Suitable job roles include early years practitioner, creche practitioner, special needs support worker, nanny. As the Level 3 Diploma carries UCAS points, learners can progress on to higher education degrees in related areas.

CACHE LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN HOME-BASED CHILDCARE

This award has been jointly developed with the National Childminding Association (NCMA), providing a qualification for childminders and home-based childcare practitioners.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Participants should be 16 years or above.

Duration: Course sessions total 132 hours, and the unit can be taken in full or on a unit-by-unit basis.

Methods of study: Tutorials and work-based learning. A 'unit' certificate of achievement and progress is awarded for each step towards the final qualification.

Course content: Units of study include childcare and child development, working in partnership with parents, and planning to meet the children's individual learning needs.

Career moves: If all three units are completed, candidates are ready to tackle the CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Professional Development in Work with Children and Young People or the CACHE NVQ Level 3 in Children's Care, Learning and Development or a related Level 4 qualification.

CACHE LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE OF PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN WORK WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

Created for those who have already achieved a Level 3 qualification, but who wish to develop, update or extend their knowledge in a chosen field such as supporting health professionals.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: CACHE recommends that participants have an existing early years qualification or a minimum of two years' practical experience.

Duration: The course takes 210 hours to complete. Units can be taken in any order and at any time.

Methods of study: One externally marked assignment for unit one; remaining units are assessed internally.

Course content: Three units cover individual professional development, advanced practice in working with babies, and designing programmes for early learning.

Career moves: Progression to NVQ Level 4 Children's Care, Learning and Development.

The individual units that CACHE offers are as follows, but it is likely that most centres will offer only a selection of these.

Mandatory unit

Unit 1: Individual professional development

Optional units

Unit 2: Advanced practice in working with babies

Unit 3: Designing programmes for early learning

Unit 4: Delivering and assessing programmes for early learning

Unit 5: Developing children's mathematical skills

Unit 6: Developing children's language and literacy skills

Unit 7: Management of early years settings

Unit 8: Management of early years practice

Unit 9: Moving into out-of-school provision

Unit 10: Protecting children

Unit 11: Registration and inspection under the Children Act

Unit 12: Influences on the behaviour of children and young people from birth to 15 years

Unit 13: Skills and strategies for working with children and young people from birth to 15 years

Unit 14: Supporting families in daily living

Unit 15: Supporting families in distress

Unit 16: Supporting children and families in toy libraries

Unit 17: Supporting health professionals

Unit 18: Working with children with special needs

Unit 19: Delivering skills for life: the national strategy for improving adult literacy and numeracy skills (Step into Learning)

Unit 20: Working with children under three

Unit 21: Communicating matters within the early years setting

Unit 22: Listening to children within the early years setting

CACHE LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN PRE-SCHOOL PRACTICE

Developed in association with the Pre-School Learning Alliance, this course meets the challenges of leadership - from planning a varied learning programme, to ensuring that children learn through play.

Course provider: FE colleges and distance learning through the National Extension College.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 16 years old, and it is recommended they hold a Level 2 Early Years qualification.

Duration: 600 hours including 360 placement hours.

Methods of study: There are four units of study and it is recommended that candidates work for at least 150 hours in an early years setting while studying.

Course content: Best practice care and education.

Career moves: Progression to the CACHE Level 3 Certificate of Professional Development in Work with Children and Young People (CPD) or the CACHE NVQ Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development (CCLD4).

CACHE LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN EARLY YEARS CARE AND EDUCATION (WELSH MEDIUM)

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 16 years of age and have some day-to-day contact with children in a group setting.

Duration: 210 guided learning hours.

Methods of study: One externally marked assignment and three internally marked assignments.

Course content: Participants will learn how to plan, manage and deliver a varied programme of activities that enhance the learning potential of the children in their care within the Welsh or bilingual setting.

Career moves: Progression to other awards such as CACHE Level 3 Certificate of Professional Development in Work with Children and Young People or NVQ 4 Children's Care, Learning and Development. You can apply for positions such as a Cylch Meithrin leader or similar position.

CACHE LEVEL 3 DIPLOMA IN PLAYGROUP PRACTICE IN WALES

A joint initiative with the Wales Pre-School Playgroups Association (Wales PPA). It aids good practice and high standards within pre-school provision, supports the heritage and culture of Wales, the Curriculum Cymreig and children's pre-school learning through play.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Candidates must be at least 16 years old and working in a playgroup setting.

Duration: 360 hours total: 180 teaching and 180 placement.

Methods of study: Each of the course's three units consists of 60 hours of guided study, plus 60 hours in a placement setting.

Course content: Child development, the early years curriculum, the environment and management of a group setting.

Career moves: Progression to the CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Professional Development in Work with Children and Young People, the CACHE NVQ Level 4 in Children's Care, Learning and Development (CCLD4), or a playgroup leader or similar post.

CACHE LEVEL 3 AWARD/CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA IN PLAYWORK (AP/CP/DP)

An initiative with the National Centre for Playwork Education, South West, this award provides the skills needed for the role of a senior playworker.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications, but candidates must be at least 16 years of age.

Duration: 180 hours of guided learning, plus 60 hours in a placement.

Methods of study: Tutorial and home-based study.

Course content: Three units are separately assessed and certified: working with children; children's play and the playwork environment; managing the playwork provision.

Career moves: Completion of the Award will allow candidates to work as a supervisor in summer play schemes, and as leaders/senior playworkers in all play settings.

CACHE LEVEL 3 AWARD IN EARLY YEARS AND CHILDCARE FOR PLAYWORKERS

This award has been designed for practitioners who hold a Level 3 qualification in playwork and who work, or wish to work, in settings whose main purpose is to provide early years education and childcare.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Candidates must hold a recognised Level 3 qualification from the relevant occupational frameworks.

Duration: 60 hours of guided learning.

Methods of study: One externally assessed assignment and one internally assessed assignment.

Course content: Theory and practice in promoting children's care, learning and development, and aspects of children's care, learning and development practice.

Career moves: Candidates could continue to study and work towards the NVQ CCLD4 or a related Level 4 qualification.

CACHE LEVEL 3 AWARD IN PLAYWORK FOR EARLY YEARS AND CHILDCARE WORKERS

This award has been designed for practitioners who hold a Level 3 qualification in Children's Care and Education and who work, or wish to work, in a playwork setting.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Candidates must hold a recognised Level 3 qualification from the relevant occupational frameworks. Candidates must be at least 16 years of age.

Duration: 60 hours of guided learning.

Methods of study: One externally assessed assignment and one internally assessed assignment.

Course content: Theory and practice of children and young people's play, aspects of playwork practice.

Career moves: Candidates could continue further study by working towards the NVQ Level 3 in Playwork, a playwork foundation degree or progressing to a related Level 4 qualification.

CACHE LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN SUPPORTING TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SCHOOLS

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

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

Duration: 120 guided learning 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 roles include teaching assistant, learning support assistant, special needs assistant, classroom assistant. After completing this qualification, learners can also progress on to the Level 3 NVQ in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.

CACHE LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE PRACTICE

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 18 years of age, and already working in a childcare setting.

Duration: 120 guided learning hours.

Methods of study: Assessment is via observation, walk and talk, and a reflective task.

Course content: Participants will learn how to apply the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

Career moves: This is not a full Level 3 qualification. However, it will update existing knowledge and experience from other Level 3 qualifications. It may also further professional development for practitioners at different levels.

CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN WORK WITH CHILDREN

This qualification is specifically designed for workers in early years or playwork services who have gained sufficient experience and learning in their setting to have this formally accredited through a fast-track system.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: The qualification is aimed at experienced early years or playwork practitioners who are aged 25 and over. Candidates have to demonstrate their capability at Level 3 and prove sufficient - paid or unpaid - relevant employment experience over the past five years to be able to register for the award.

Duration: Completion period is flexible.

Methods of study: The course does not necessarily require any teaching input and should not be regarded as a taught programme. The award's major assessment component consists of a reflective account supported by a minimum of two professional testimonies.

Course content: There are two units within the qualification: Promoting Good Quality Provision in Work with Children and Reflecting on Practice in Work with Children. Candidates study both units, but within their own area of experience - either playwork or early years.

Career moves: The qualification provides an ideal progression route to further qualifications, including relevant Level 4 NVQs.

CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE/DIPLOMA IN PLAYWORK

These are qualifications for anyone who wants to work within a supervisory position with school-aged children (typically 4-16) in a variety of settings, which could include after-school clubs, adventure playgrounds or play schemes.

Course provider: FE colleges, employers and trusts.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 16 years old and have access to working with children in a play setting.

Duration: 210 hours for the certificate, 360 hours for the diploma.

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

Course content: Units cover relevant topics including working with parents and carers, organising and supervising travel, health and safety and playwork in the community.

Career moves: Learners could pursue a supervisory role in a playwork setting, or with school-aged children. They could also undertake further qualifications, including the Level 4 NVQ in Playwork.

City and guilds level 3 award/certificate/diploma 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 be in an employment position which will allow them to fulfil the evidence/experience requirements of the course.

Duration: Learning structure is flexible depending on circumstances. The number of units required varies across the Award, Certificate and Diploma.

Methods of study: Students study topic units which are assessed by observation in the workplace.

Course content: Mandatory units cover the needs of school pupils and the values, policies and responsibilities of schools. Optional units include Liaising with Parents and Families, Using IT in Schools and Protecting Children's Rights.

Career moves: Further qualifications in Support Work in Schools, including an NVQ.

EDEXCEL LEVEL 3 NATIONAL CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS

Equips practitioners to work in a variety of pre-school and nursery settings.

Course provider: FE colleges.

Entry qualifications: Must have access to work experience in a professional childcare setting.

Duration: 720 guided learning hours, 800 hours of professional placement.

Methods of study: Work-based and written assignments.

Course content: Core units cover equality, diversity and rights in early years work, communication and early years skills, safety and protection of children, learning in early years.

Career moves: Successful candidates have a licence to practise and can progress to an early years degree or a BTEC Higher National.

EDEXCEL LEVEL 3 BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN EARLY YEARS

As well as learning about the employment area they have chosen, candidates develop skills to start their career.

Course provider: FE and technical colleges.

Entry qualifications: Appropriate work experience or GCSEs or vocational qualifications.

Duration: 1,080 guided learning hours and 800 hours placement in an early years setting.

Methods of study: Involves projects and assignments based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands.

Course content: Core units include Researching Early Years Care and Education, Human Growth and Development, Communication and Interpersonal Skills and Child Health. There are also specialist units.

Career moves: Progress to higher education such as a BTEC Higher National Diploma or Certificate.

EDEXCEL LEVEL 3 BTEC NATIONAL AWARD IN EARLY YEARS

Certificate for Children's Care, Learning and Development Advanced Modern Apprenticeship framework. It forms part of the BTEC National Certificate and Diploma in Early Years but can be a standalone course.

Course provider: FE and technical colleges.

Entry qualifications: Level 2 qualifications or related work experience.

Duration: 360 guided learning hours.

Methods of study: Written assignments.

Course content: Core units include Equality, Diversity and Rights in Early Years Work, Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Safety and Protection of Children, Learning in the Early Years.

Career moves: Progression to a Level 4 qualification.

 

EDEXCEL LEVEL 3 BTEC CERTIFICATE IN CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Approved as a Technical Certificate for the Children's Care, Learning and Development Apprenticeship/Modern Apprenticeship framework.

Course provider: FE and technical colleges.

Entry qualifications: Level 2 qualifications or related work experience.

Duration: 720 guided learning hours.

Methods of study: Work-based and written assignments.

Course content: Principles and values underpinning work with children and the protection and promotion of children's rights, the provision of healthy, safe and secure environments for children, the provision of effective, high-quality childcare environments, promoting child and young person development, promoting learning within early education frameworks.

Career moves: Progression to Level 4.

 

EDEXCEL LEVEL 3 BTEC DIPLOMA IN CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Approved as a technical certificate for the Children's Care, Learning and Development Apprenticeship/Modern Apprenticeship framework.

Course provider: FE and technical colleges.

Entry qualifications: Level 2 qualifications or related work experience.

Duration: 1,080 guided learning hours.

Methods of study: Work-based and written assignments.

Course content: This qualification consists of seven core units plus specialist units.

Career moves: Progression to Level 4.

 

EDEXCEL LEVEL 3 BTEC CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Provides underpinning knowledge and practical application for experienced teaching assistants who have a wide range of responsibilities.

Course provider: FE colleges.

Entry qualifications: Prior experience, NVQ Level 2 or Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Certificate for Teaching Assistants.

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

Methods of study: Work-based and written work.

Course content: Units cover the reflective practitioner, supporting development, supporting the teacher, supporting bilingual learners and supporting literacy and numeracy.

Career moves: Provides a route to enhanced employment or further study at Levels 3 or 4 such as the BTEC National Diploma in Early Years or the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Advanced Practice in work with children and families.

 

NVQ LEVEL 3 IN CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Awarded by City & Guilds, Care Training East Midlands, CACHE, EDI, Edexcel, the Open University. Level 3 is an NVQ for people who are working in childcare. It continues professional development from the Level 2 award.

Course provider: FE colleges and assessment centres.

Entry qualifications: Significant experience within a childcare setting or a Level 2 Early Years qualification is necessary.

Duration: There is no set number of 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 their practical competence, knowledge and understanding of the subject. They will need to submit a portfolio to show their competence in all areas.

Course content: There are nine units: five mandatory and four optional. Topics include developing and maintaining a healthy and safe environment, protecting and promoting children's rights, reflecting on and developing practice.

Career moves: Level 3 Certificate of Professional Development in Work with Children and Young People, CACHE Level 4 Certificate in Managing Quality Standards in Children's Services, NVQ CCLD4.

 

NVQ LEVEL 3 IN PLAYWORK

Awarded by CACHE, City & Guilds and Edexcel. This award enables those who have completed a Level 2 qualification to become a supervisor or manager in a playwork setting.

Course provider: Colleges and assessment centres nationwide.

Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 16 years old with either a Level 2 playwork qualification or significant experience in a playwork setting.

Duration: You will be registered with CACHE for the period of the qualification, but will need to check with your centre how long your contract with them is.

Methods of study: Work-based.

Course content: Students have to demonstrate competence in a workplace, covering protection of children, positive relationships in the play environment, administering provision and improving organisational performance and children's development.

Career moves: A step towards management. NVQ CCLD4.

NVQ LEVEL 3 in supporting teaching and learning in schools

Awarded by CACHE, Care Training East Midlands, City & Guilds and Edexcel.

This is a qualification for experienced teaching assistants who have a wide range of responsibilities.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

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

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

Methods of study: Work- based learning.

Course content: Learners must complete six mandatory units and four optional units. Mandatory units include: Reflecting On and Developing Practice, Promoting Positive Behaviour, and Supporting Pupils' Learning Activities.

Career moves: Suitable job roles include teaching assistant, special needs assistant, learning support assistant. After this qualification learners can progress to a relevant foundation degree.

NVQ LEVEL 3 HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE (CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE)

Awarded by CACHE and Edexcel. This is a qualification for social care staff and foster carers in Level 3 job roles, working in public, private and voluntary sectors.

Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.

Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications required, but significant experience desirable. Candidates are expected to have sufficient literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE grade C/equivalent).

Duration: The award must be completed within the registration period, on which your chosen centre will advise before registration.

Methods of study: An assessor will visit you in your workplace to assess your practical work. You will also need to submit a portfolio of evidence to show your knowledge and understanding of the award.

Course content: Areas can include how to support others caring for babies; how to support families in difficult times; helping young people into adulthood; providing a safe nand secure home for children and young people.

Career moves: This award will help you to pursue a career in health and social care with children and young people.

CASE STUDY: HEAD OF ROOM: KIM RITSON

Kim Ritson is head of room at Busy Bears Children's Day Nursery in Durham. She has been at the nursery for three years and was offered the job a week after completing her CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education at New College in Durham.

'Busy Bears nursery was my last placement while I was at college. Then a week after I left, they offered me the job. It was all systems go and it was nice to get a job so soon after finishing my course.

'I really enjoyed doing the childcare course which took two years. I would have liked to have spent more time doing placements as I find I learn more when I am actually experiencing things and working than if someone is telling me things in a classroom situation.

'I felt the course could have had more practical elements to it, although I do recognise that it is important to learn the theory as well,' she says.

Kim left secondary school after doing her GCSEs and went straight to college to do the Level 3 Diploma.

'You have to have a certain number of GCSEs and a grade C in English to be accepted on to the course. I had the relevant qualifications so I was able to do Level 3 which I was really pleased about, as it is obviously a higher qualification than Level 2, and so it was better for helping me get a job,' says Kim.

At the moment, she has no immediate plans to do any further study.

'I am only 20 and I would like to get more experience working with children in the nursery before I do a higher level qualification,' she says.

Staff at the nursery undertake regular in-house training, according to Kim.

'Emma Graham, who runs the nursery, is very keen on making sure we keep up-to-date with skills and training and so she send us on external training courses as well,' she says.

There are five different units in the nursery catering for different age groups. As head of room, Kim cares for children aged from 15 months up to two years in what is called the Butterflies room.

She says, 'The room takes up to 27 children. I absolutely love working here. It is so rewarding. I have always wanted to work with children in a nursery. It is the best job.'