Children’s Development and Education: Level 3

Key Details

Available at:
Llangefni, Rhos-on-Sea, Pwllheli
Study Mode:
Full-time
Course Length:
2 years

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Children’s Development and Education: Level 3

School Leavers

Llangefni

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Pwllheli

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Rhos-on-Sea

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Please note: We recommend that you have access to a laptop or Chromebook to enable coursework to be completed digitally at home. There is a dedicated IT Digital Inclusion fund to support those learners who do not have a digital device and are unable to purchase one.

Course Description

Are you looking for a career working to support the wellbeing and development of Children and Young People? Would you like to develop your understanding of child development, practical and creative skills for working with children and young people, and safeguarding of children?

This programme prepares you for a range of careers in child development, education, childcare and early years settings. You will gain advanced skills and be equipped to work in unsupervised roles, or roles with supervisory responsibilities. The programme is ideal for students progressing from GCSEs or AS Levels, and provides a vocational route to Higher Education, or the workplace.

The course delivers a practical programme, focusing on the needs of real job roles and situations. A substantial amount of work placement is an essential part of the course and you will be able to meet many of the National Occupational Standards of the sector. You will also develop the knowledge for eventual progression into Higher Education, or into professional training for teaching, paediatric nursing or early years provision management.

Entry Criteria

5 GCSEs at grade A* to C to include English or Welsh 1st Language, and Maths or GCSE Numeracy (or equivalent - e.g. ESW level 2 AoN). Alternatively, an appropriate level 2 qualification in the relevant vocational area at Merit with GCSE English and GCSE Maths at Level 2 (or equivalent e.g. ESW level 2 AoN) Enhanced DBS check to be completed upon enrolment.

Learner services will be able to discuss your profile and advise you of course options.

Attending an Open Event with us gives you the opportunity to find out more about working in this sector and the range of careers this course can lead you to. You will be able to ask any questions you may have about the course, life at college, or working in health, social, or children’s development, care and education sectors.

Your programme may require you to attend an interview, please ensure you attend this.

As part of this course you will need to pay £49.50 for a DBS check, and around £100 for uniform and trips.

Delivery

The programme will consist of the All Wales Core Level3 vocational programme, being the equivalent of 3 A levels. For those who enter directly (not having followed level 2 first) the All Wales Core qualification at Level 2, which allows for registration to work in the sector, will be studied alongside.

As part of your programme you will also follow an individualised programme of study (grade profile dependent) which will include a combination from the Welsh Baccalaureate (which allows you to gain additional UCAS points), Literacy, Numeracy, Employability and Digital skills.

In addition to this, all learners will undertake Work Placement and Sector Engagement, developing practical skills and knowledge in readiness for University or work.
You will have a personal tutor and individual tutorial sessions. Your personal tutor will track and support your academic and personal development and progression, for example, we will support you with your UCAS application if you are planning on progressing into University.

The above will be delivered through a blend of the following:

Lectures
Discussions
Projects
Practical workshops
Study in a realistic working environment
Self-directed study
Group work
Work placement
Work placement and Sector Engagement

You may also complete the WJEC A-Level in Health, Social Care and Childcare or Children’s Core qualification as part of the programme of study.

Your programme will include a combination of:

Essential Skills qualifications and/or
GCSE resits and/or
The Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate is a valuable qualification which is often studied alongside your Level 3 full-time course.

The qualification is graded A*-E, carrying the equivalent UCAS points at Level 3, and equips you with transferable personal and business skills. It is highly regarded by universities and employers alike.

As part of the qualification, you will learn about Global Citizenship, Enterprise and Employability and take part in community engagement and work experience.

Essential Skills

This may include a combination of Application of Number, Communication, Digital Literacy and Essential Employability Skills

GCSE resits

This may include GCSE Numeracy/Maths and/or Welsh/English Language.

Maths & Welsh/English

If you don't achieve a C or above in Maths and/ or English/Welsh, we will support you to retake these subjects as part of your study programme.

Assessment

The Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory qualification is assessed through 700 hours / 100 days placement during the full two year programme.

Academic study is assessed through 70% internal assessment and 30% external assessment. Candidates must successfully complete:

an externally set, internally marked set of tasks
a portfolio of evidence
a discussion with their assessor; and observation in placement.
an external examination
an externally set and marked extended investigation.

The full programme will also include assessment through a blend of the following:

Practical and written assessments/assignments
Presentations and demonstrations
Portfolios of work
Performance and observation
Examinations

The A-level is assessed through 50% internal assessment and 50% external assessment (exam).

Children’s core is assessed via an online multiple-choice exam.

Progression

The programme allows you to achieve the UCAS profile for progression to higher education (University) onto a range of courses at many universities across the UK*.

Some Higher Education Courses include Childhood and Education Studies, Health and Social Care, Primary Education, Nursing, Psychology and Social Work.

*It is necessary for the candidate to verify the specific entry requirements with each university.

Completion of the programme improves your employability, giving you a range of professional options should you prefer to move directly into the world of work. You will be able to start your career in numerous contexts, including working or teaching in a nursery, infant school, junior school or children’s ward.

At Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, you could progress onto a number of programmes, including:

Foundation Degree (FdA) Childhood and Learning Support Studies
Alternatively, you could undertake further training to work as a qualified teacher or children’s nurse.
Higher-level apprenticeship
Apprenticeship Level 3 in Children's Care Play Learning and Development
Apprenticeship Level 3 in Health and Social Care Practice Children & Young People

Completion of the Level 3 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory qualification provides a suitable foundation for the study of early years and childcare through a range of higher education courses, or apprenticeships.

Some employment opportunities can include: