Overview

The Certificate is the first year of a nationally recognised Gold Standard qualification approved by the Department for Education and National College for Teaching and Learning that prepares you to become a practicing Early Years practitioner with children from birth to 5 years and providing you with additional knowledge of working with children aged 5-7 years.
Your course will be delivered by highly experienced Early Years and Childcare staff and you will undertake work placement and use our real work environment simulation rooms. 
This is not a license to practice but does carry UCAS points.

The Diploma study will give a license to practice in Year 2.

This course runs on the following dates:

Start Date: September 2019. For further information, please call 0191 200 4000 or email enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk.
Duration: 1 Year
Venue: Parsons Building, Rye Hill Campus

Who is course for

This qualification is suitable for anyone aged 16-18who is kind, caring, compassionate and patient and who wishes to work with young children in settings such as a day nurseries, schools, playgroups and crèches.

Qualification Gained

NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Certificate in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
 

How to Apply

Online

Click on the "Apply for this course" button at the bottom of this page.

In Person

Come along to our Student Services Office, located within Armstrong House. Alternatively, visit an Open Event at our Rye Hill Campus, click here for dates and times.

 

Course Content

Learners will study a range of units which must be completed in order to progress through the qualification at each stage. The knowledge gained during these is essential for working with children in Early Years settings:
• Child development from conception to seven years
• Children's health and wellbeing
• Providing safe environments for children
• Child health
• Play and learning
• Understanding children's additional needs
• Observation, assessment and planning
• Professional Practice Portfolio 1
Maths and English form part of every programme of study for students who have yet to secure a GCSE grade C/4 or above, in these subjects. This will enhance job and career opportunities, and where appropriate, progression to higher education.
 

Learning Methods

Staff will teach you in a variety of ways to meet your individual learning needs. This will include the following:
• Classroom Based Activities
• Practical Based Activities undertaken in real work environment simulation room.
• Work Placement in a variety of settings. 
 There is also an externally marked assessment which will be completed in college and marked by CACHE

Assessment Methods

You will be continually assessed during your studies using the following methods:
• Written Assignments
• Presentations
• Direct Work Placement Observations
• Longitudinal Studies
• Reflective Accounts
• Witness Statements
•  1 externally marked effective practice study task
 

Progression Opportunities

Progression discussions will look at

• your progression into year 2 (if suitable) to undertake the Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator),
• an alternative course in college
• learners may apply for employment (the Certificate is NOT a license to practice)

 

Career Opportunities

•   Diploma qualification (Early Years Educator title requires achievement of  L2/GCSE Maths and English Language),
• Practitioner in day nurseries, schools, playgroups and crèches
• Holiday club representative, nanny, au pair
•  Out of school club support worker.

Entry Requirements

• 5 GCSE's grades A-C  (4-9) including English Language or Maths (other MUST be at D or 3)
• DBS Clearance
Reference showing suitable aptitude to working with young children

Further Information

If you have a query about this course or would like advice on your study options, you can contact Student Services by using the LiveChat function on this page, by emailing enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk or by telephoning 0191 200 4000. We are currently open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

 

Additional Course Costs

£75:00 course costs towards placement t-shirts, hooded sweatshirt, core text book and off campus activities.

Those undertaking Maths may also be required to purchase a scientific calculator (about £7.00).

16 to 18s

Tuition is free for learners aged 16 to 18. A learner will continue to be eligible for free tuition for the duration of their qualification, this includes Year 2 of a qualification if the learner was aged 16-18 when they started in Year 1. Additional financial support may also be available for full-time learners, please call our Student Services team on 0191 200 4000 for more information.