This is a full-time study programme and has been designed to support you as you develop your knowledge, understanding and skills when caring for and supporting the learning and development of children aged 0-11 years 11 months. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods which aims to meet the needs of each individual and accommodate different learning styles, for example, assessments, group work, skills practice, extended writing and interactive activities. Throughout the course you will study 6 units in total and a professional skills record. These include:

· Child development from birth to 11 years 11 months

· Play and learning

· Exploring legislation

· The role of the practitioner

· Nutrition

· Physical development and physical activity.

You will also take part in mandatory skills practice.

If you are interested in making a difference to children’s lives then this course is for you. This course supports you in developing your knowledge, understanding and skills when caring for and supporting the learning and development of children, preparing you for a variety of career pathways including an early year’s practitioner, pre-school assistant, teaching assistant and pastoral support.

This practical and academic qualification will give you the knowledge and skills to move forward towards your goal.

· You will complete a mandatory Professional Skills Record as part of your placement element of a minimum of 120 hours

· Placement experience must be undertaken in both an early years and primary setting

· You will gain sector specific knowledge and experience from guest speakers and educational visits

· This course does not qualify you to work and count in ratios at Level 2 in an early years’ setting.

· In order to attend your weekly placement, you will undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Please see here for our Standard Entry Qualifications. Please note some of our technical qualifications have different requirements, please contact admissions for further information.

Level 2 (Intermediate)

- 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above.

You will be interviewed for this course; you should be enthusiastic about working in the early years and primary sector and be able to participate in work experience.

· You will be assessed through a variety of assessment methods including discussions, case studies, presentations, extended written work and practical assessments whilst on placement.

· You will also complete a Professional Skills Record in both an early years and primary school setting.

· A mandatory part of your course is 120 hours of external work placement.

· This is a graded course where you can achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction.

On successful completion of this qualification, you can progress onto:

· Level 3 qualifications within Early Years, Children and Young People, Supporting Teaching and Learning and Health and social Care suites.

· You can also progress in the workplace in job roles such as, a nursery assistant, classroom assistant or a pre-school assistant.