NCFE Early Learning and Childcare

NCFE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

Course Details

By the end of the Early Learning and Childcare Diploma you will have a good understanding of the responsibility of working a child care environment and the legislation surrounding child care.  You will also learn the skills required of a child carer and the fundamentals of early education frameworks.

The Early Learning and Childcare Diploma is an ideal qualification for those wanting a career in a nursery or similar child care environment.  The course will involve child care and children’s learning and development needs up to the age of 16.  Successful completion of the course will see you awarded the NCFE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (equivalent to working at NVQ Level 3 or A Level).

The course has been designed by industry experts and will cover various topics including supporting children with special needs, child development, legislation and duty of care, equality and diversity and working as a team amongst others. 

The NCFE Level 3 Diploma awards you a licence to work within the childcare industry and meets the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) guidelines.

Please Note - Students are required to undertake a 400 hours work placement

Qualifications

Throughout the course you will be required to complete 10 assignments and 400 hours of work placement.  Successful completion of the Early Learning and Childcare Diploma will see you awarded the NCFE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.

* Please note that NCFE will externally verify your assessments.

The course is assessed purely on coursework/assignments and therefore, there is no need to sit an exam.  The NCFE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce gives you a licence to work in the Child Care industry (aged 0 – 16).

NCFE is one of the fastest growing bodies in the United Kingdom.  Their qualifications are nationally recognised by the major qualification regulators:

• Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England
• Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales
• Council for the Curriculum Examinations & Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland

Study Plan

The NCFE Level Diploma has been designed by experts to provide you with a thorough comprehension of the skills needed to work in the childcare sector.  The course materials are spread across 14 modules and will cover a variety of topics including:

• Understanding and promoting children and young people’s development
• Support children and young people’s health and safety
• Develop Positive relationships with children, young people and others involved in their care
• Working together for the benefit of children and young people
• Professional practice in supporting positive outcomes for children and young people
• Promote and support children’s speech, language and communication
• Engage in personal development in children and young people’s settings
• Promote equality and inclusion in children and young people’s settings
• Principles for implementing duty of care in children and young people’s settings
• Enable parents to develop ways of handling relationships and behaviour that contribute to everyday life with children.

Study Details

The Early Learning and Childcare Diploma has been designed by experts to enable you to learn in a logical manner that allows you to study at a pace to suit yourself.

Your study plan requires you to complete 14 study units.  As you progress through each of the workbooks you will build up a portfolio of evidence by completing a total of 10 assignments.  Your assignments should then be submitted to your personal tutor for assessment.  Your tutor will provide you with helpful feedback and advice on your progress.  Your assignments will be externally verified by NCFE and will contribute towards your final certification.

The Early Learning and Childcare Diploma does not require you to have had any prior experience.

The majority of students should complete the course with approximately 300 hours of study.  An example of how you may break your study down is shown below: 

Study Period	Weekly Hours
3 Months	26 Hours
6 Months	13 Hours
12 Months	6 Hours

Careers

The Early Learning and Childcare course equips you with the necessary skills to begin a career in the childcare sector.  You will also be qualified to begin employment in a nursery or reception class. 

The Level 3 Diploma can also be used to progress onto the Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies.

With the NCFE Level 3 Diploma on your CV, you will stand out from the crowd in give your career prospects a real advantage.

Example Roles:

Nanny
£26,000
Source: www.payscale.com - May 2011

Youth Support Worker
£28,000
Source: www.payscale.com - May 2011