If you wish to enter the Childcare sector or study a higher education course in the Early Years field, this course is for you. It offers a focused qualification that is directly related to Early Years work experience and involves working in a range of placement settings to develop essential skills and knowledge.

The course provides learners who successfully pass all the requirements of the qualification with a licence to practise, allowing them to undertake work in a child centred environment.

The coursework is varied, involving case studies, written assignments, external assessments, reflection from placements and practical group work in class. There is also an external exam for one of the units.

The course enables you to develop a substantial range of knowledge including:

* Childrens Development
* Development of Childrens Communication, Literacy and Numeracy Skills
* Current Research in Early Years Practice
* Keeping Children Safe
* Childrens Physical Development, Care and Health Needs
* Working with Parents and Others in Early Years
* The Early Years Foundation Stage

Two days placement per week is required in a minimum of two different childcare areas, gaining experience of working with children aged 0-8 years. You will be required to undertake both formal and informal observations on children while in placement, keeping a detailed record of placement observations and activities, evaluating their findings and making recommendations for future practice.