Children and Young Person's Workforce Level 3 Extended Diploma

You study growth and development learning in the early years play and learning and research skills and professional practice. You cover seven core units:
- positive relationships
- positive environments
- promoting children's development
- professional practice
- promoting children's rights
- children's learning activities and play
- safeguarding children

There are specialists units too which include: physical activities for children, European approaches to childcare, the development and care of babies and children under three years old, and supporting children's literacy and numeracy skills. You can gain qualifications in first aid and functional skills too.

The assignments are assessed by the teaching tutors. There would typically be a variety of tasks normally three per unit which use a range of methods such as essay report presentation and information leaflets. There is also an ongoing portfolio which includes information collected observations and activities carried out in placements. The functional skills course in English, maths or ICT is assessed by an external exam.

The course is predominantly coursework-based and has a balance of theory and practice. You gain work experience in a range of placements over the two years. In class you work in small and large groups as well as on your own and you learn to research using ICT journals and books.

The qualification awarded is the Edexcel National Diploma in Childcare Learning and Development, plus a functional skills qualification in English, maths or ICT.

You also gain improvements in skills for further study or employment including self-confidence speaking in front of others working with others taking responsibility and managing your time.

Applicants for a Level 3 programme will normally have:
- at least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (including some subjects related to the proposed area of study) and/or a completed Level 2 award
- the willingness to study for an additional Level 2 qualification in English and/or maths

If you are interested in a Level 3 programme and have alternative qualifications you would like us to consider, please contact us with your details. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and complete an initial assessment. All students will have their literacy and numeracy needs supported within the programme.

On successful completion of the course you can progress to higher education programmes in diverse areas such as paediatric nursing, primary school teaching, psychology and social work. This diploma is a recognised professional Level 3 qualification in early years which can lead you to employment in nurseries schools and primary care trusts.