The care of young children is an expanding feature of our society – the need for qualified professionals within the Children and Young People’s Workforce is growing. Early Years in an established programme area within BCA; all courses are taught by well qualified, experienced and professional staff, all of whom have worked within the Children and Young People’s Workforce.
A day nursery within our beautiful college grounds provides places for babies to children of primary school age. Practical placements are an integral part of our full-time programmes; we have strong links with local schools and nurseries, therefore providing a wide variety of practical experiences.
Courses available: Click on a course to find out more
Level 1
CACHE Level 1 Award / Certificate / Diploma in Caring for Children (QCF)
Level 2
CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF)
Certificate for Children and Young People’s Workforce (Work Based)
Level 3
CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF)
Diploma for Children and Young People’s Workforce (Work Based)
Level 4
Higher Education Courses
CACHE Level 1 Award / Certificate / Diploma in Caring for Children (QCF) (1 year)
This qualification will stimulate interest and encourage
understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to care
for a child. It is aimed at those needing to develop life skills, as well as those who are thinking of working in childcare.
It is also suitable for parents who wish to develop parenting skills, mature learners with special educational needs, or where English is an additional language.
The course is flexible in its offering, with a mix of vocational, and personal and social development units.
Programme content
Units within this course cover both personal development and the development and growth of babies and young children.
They also explore:
- The value of a healthy lifestyle and diet
- Communication and learning
- Human growth and development
- Aspects of play
- The importance of building children’s confidence
- Safeguarding, welfare, and health and safety
Additionally, the range of units allows you to achieve above and below the level of the qualifications, increasing your suitability for a variety of learners.
A minimum of 10 credits must be achieved to gain the Award, 26 for the Certificate, or 37 for the Diploma.
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at Grades E or above, or an Entry Certificate or equivalent.
Assessment method
This course is continually assessed through assignments.
Progression
Successful candidates will be eligible to progress onto the CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.
Employment opportunities
This course will support you in preparing for the next step in training.
CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF) (1 year)
This course will guide and assess development of knowledge and skills relating to the Early Learning and Childcare workforces, from birth to 19 years, and can lead to employment within the sector.
Programme content
The course covers relevant topics, such as communication, personal development, equality and inclusion, safeguarding, behaviour, first aid, illness and injury,
Learners will gain valuable experience from attending block weeks in a real work environment, to gaining a full understanding of the children or young people’s differing needs and the full range of activities that occur in the work role.
You must achieve a minimum of 35 credits to achieve the qualification.
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at Grades D or above, to include English or a Merit at a suitable Level 1 programme.
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment method
All units are internally assessed through assignments and approximately 200 hours of work experience.
Equipment needed
Students undertaking work experience will require BCA uniform.
Progression
Successful completion of this course at Merit level can lead to progression onto the Level 3 Diploma.
Employment opportunities
Assistant in a day nursery, crèche or pre-school.
NVQ Children’s Care, Learning and Development Level 2
This programme is suitable for assistants working under supervision in a childcare setting. The course enables candidates to demonstrate their ability, knowledge and understanding of how to work with children. The programme consists of underpinning knowledge sessions at College, and candidates are assigned an assessor who will assess competence in the workplace.
Please call 01628 827464 for more information.
CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF) (2 years)
This programme is designed to prepare you to work in a supervised role, competently, safely and effectively with children. The syllabus is designed to emphasise the integrated nature of work in the sector. It also prepares you to work in a wide range of settings, recognising the importance of providing a service for children and their families.
Programme content
This course meets the requirements and will form part of the Children’s Workforce Development Council (CWDC) Qualification List for the Early Years Register. The Diploma will guide and assess development of knowledge and skills relating to Early Learning and Childcare, Social Care and the Learning Development and Support Services Workforces.
Learners will need to complete the 11 core mandatory units and a choice of optional units, to achieve a minimum credit value of 65.
Typical units include communication, equality and inclusion, personal development, duty of care, safeguarding and health and safety.
The Diploma incorporates experience in a real work environment.
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade C or above, to include English and Maths, or a related Level 2 qualification at Merit level or above.
Plus a satisfactory school reference and successful completion of an Inital Assessment.
Assessment method
This course is assessed continuously through assignments and approximately 400 hours of work experience.
Equipment needed
Students undertaking work experience will require BCA uniform.
Progression
Students successfully achieving this qualification may progress to further training at higher level, including university.
Employment opportunities
This course supports entrance into employment within Early Learning and Childcare, Social Care or Learning and Development Support Services, such as playgroup worker, childminder or youth worker.
NVQ Level 3
This level 3 qualification is suitable for those working at supervisory level in a childcare setting. It enables candidates to demonstrate their ability, knowledge and understanding of planning and implementing an Early Years and Childcare curriculum. Candidates are assessed in the workplace.
Please call 01628 827464 for more information.
Click here details of our Higher Education Courses.
