This 2-year course prepares nursery nurses to work competently, safely and effectively with children aged 0 to 8 years, complementing the role of the parent or primary care giver. You will spend 3 days per week at college and 2 days in a work placement, plus a number of block placement weeks over the year. You will learn to work in a wide range of settings with different professional groups including nursery and primary schools, day nurseries, family centres, hospitals, and alongside health visitors. The course emphasises the holistic nature of care and education.

Please note: This course is currently only funded for students aged 16-18.

Key course features

Qualification: CACHE Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Childcare and Education

Level: Level 3

Mode: Full-time

Timetable:

This is a full time programme of study of under 16 hours per week. Three days each week are spent in college and two days in a practical placement, with block weeks in each term. You will receive your timetable when you enrol.

Start Date: September 2013

Fees:

This course is free for students aged 16-18 years. We regret that there is currently no government funding available for students aged 19+ on this course. Students aged 19+ will pay the full (2011-12) tuition fee: £4,950, plus exam fee, £50 college reg fee and materials costs. We regret no concessions are available.

Who is this course for?

Students aged 16-18 with a high level of maturity and keen interest in supporting children to develop and learn, who wish to work with babies and children aged under 8 in a multi-cultural environment.

Entry requirements

You need to have a recognised Level 2 childcare qualification at grade A or B, or a Pass in the CACHE Level 2 Certificate Young People and Children's Workforce, or possibly a merit or distinction in Level 2 Health and Social Care, or 4 GCSEs including English language at grades A*-C. A very good reference is also required. As part of your interview you will be asked to do a presentation and complete a written task. If you need advice before you apply, please call 020 8326 2020 or email ciag@west-thames.ac.uk.

All students must undertake work experience in a childcare setting as part of this course. Work placement settings require students to obtain a DBS certificate to demonstrate that they are suitable to work with vulnerable people and/or children. Students must be aware that if information about previous criminal convictions, cautions or warnings is contained on their disclosure certificate, they will be unable to undertake work experience. For any queries please contact the Curriculum Team Manager for Health and Social Care for advice.

About the course

During the course you will look at what affects children’s education, health and social well-being and how their needs are met. You will usually be in a class of about 20 and will work in groups on projects as well as individually. 

Units include:

• An introduction to working with children
• Development from conception to age 16 years
• Supporting children
• Keeping children safe
• The principles underpinning the role of the practitioner
• Working with children
• Promoting a healthy environment for children
• Play and learning in children’s education
• Caring for children
• Development of professional skills in children’s education.

Optional units include:

• Research into childcare, education and development
• Working with children with special needs
• Working with babies from birth to 12 months.

You will be primarily studying for the diploma part of the qualification although there is an option to achieve the certificate or award if you are not able to complete the whole qualification. However, you will need the diploma to work in the early years sector. The diploma is equivalent to 3 A Levels and enables you to apply to degree courses at university.

Additional opportunities

You will spend 2 days per week in a work placement, plus several block placements over the year. Placements are varied and include nursery class, reception class, Years 1 and 2 infant department, children’s centre, family placement, special educational needs unit, and day nurseries.

Various visiting speakers are arranged across the two years and you will go on trips in the second year. You can also get involved in fundraising for voluntary organisations and events such as Children in Need.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by means of an examination, written assignments and an externally marked written assignment, plus the completion of a practice evidence record and professional evidence diaries plus your placement reports. Attendance at your work placement and at college needs to comply with CACHE requirements.

Where next?

You will be qualified to work with children under 8 in a nursery, school or alongside a health visitor. When you have had a minimum of two years' eimployment as a qualified Level 3 practitioner, you can undertake the Foundation Degree in Early Years at West Thames College or a degree in early childhood studies or teaching degree.

How to apply?

To apply, please click the "Apply Now" button and fill out the online application form. An advisor will be in touch regarding interview dates.