Certificate in Childcare and Education

This course is for anyone aged 16+ who would like to work with babies and young children from birth to 5 years. It will prepare you to enter employment or you could use it as a stepping stone to higher education courses.

Students must achieve a minimum total of 7 A* to C grades and/or grades 9 to 4 at GCSE level or equivalents to begin an A level programme. Where vocational equivalents (eg ICT or music technology) are counted into the total to meet the minimum criteria, they should be at 'merit' level or higher. In addition, GCSE English language grade 4

You'll learn about child development from conception to seven years, get an understanding of children's physical and emotional needs and be aware of the principles of safeguarding and child protection. You'll get an understanding of how to support children with additional needs and the routines to follow when children are ill in your care. You'll explore the concept of play and its role in children's learning. You'll focus on methods for observation, planning and assessment and promoting child centred practice.

Through work placement observation, assignments and controlled assessment. You'll build a portfolio of evidence of your knowledge and skills.

You could move on to to a second year of study towards the Level 3 Diploma or go directly into employment as an Early Years Educator, Pre-School Worker, Nursery or Reception Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Playgroup Leader, Childminder or Nanny.