Early Years - Level 3

The Children's and Young People's Workplace Diploma is available for students aged 16-18 and adults to study. This course is suitable for those wishing to work in the childcare/education sector. It is a ONE YEAR course, recommended for those who need to up skill their role and responsibilities in a working environment with children and young people. It is also for those who wish to use it as a pathway to do EYPS, Foundation Degree or an Access course with A Levels to train in the teaching profession. Each candidate will gain a Children's and Young People's Workforce (CYPW) QCF Diploma at Level 3. This Diploma gives opportunities and qualifies each candidate to become responsible childcare practitioners and responsible members of staff. This qualification is designed to build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children and young people from birth to 19 years. It will be assessed by your tutor or assessor using a range of methods. This could include direct observation in the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, written assignments or a task set by CACHE

While undertaking both these level 3 courses, students may be given the opportunity to participate in short courses that give additional qualifications. A fee will be charged for the DBS check, a T-Shirt and a text book. At enrolment you will be charged a fee for day trips or events. Most trips you participate in will be covered by this fee, but any residentials will incur additional fees during the course of studies.

Applicants must possess five academic GCSE grades of A* - C to include English at grade B and Maths or the Level 2 Early Years qualification at grade C or above. Attendance and participation in a course taster event is also required. Candidates must also have a good reference and progressing students from level 2 must also have a good college attendance record and demonstrated a positive approach to work and achieving targets. Mature learners will be assessed at interview and will require evidence of a good work record. Candidates must also have attended at least one week of work experience within a care setting and provide a satisfactory reference from that setting All candidates must be committed to working with young children and their families, be creative, energetic, have a sense of humour and a lively outgoing personality. To work with children (under 18) or vulnerable adults students will need to complete an enhanced disclosure check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The college will organise this for you but you will have to pay. Full details regarding payment and documents required will be provided prior to enrolment

On successful completion you may: - Progress to a higher education course (Foundation Degree in Early Years needs a 2 year post qualifying period) or - Choose from a wide range of career paths within the Children and Young People's Workforce

The recent Ofsted inspection commented that "Teachers and managers understand learners’ needs well and they ensure close monitoring of learners’ progress. Teachers respond quickly with further support as and when concerns are identified."

Having completed a Children and Young People’s course with Gloucestershire College, ex-St Peter’s High School student, Martine Day, 26 from Gloucester, has gone into business with owner of Little Monkey’s Childcare Services, Bev Lusty. “I was studying Beauty Therapy with Gloucestershire College when I realised that I really wanted to pursue a career in childcare so I decided to change paths and study for a CACHE Level 3 qualification in Early Years, which is how I met Bev. I would definitely recommend studying the CACHE Level 3 in Early Years, the tutors are amazing and really professional and supportive and the course involves a lot of work experience. Both the tutors and work experience has helped to prepare me for work.”

Please contact the College on 0845 155 2020 for further details