NCFE Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare

Who is it for? Adult learner 19+ Qualification: NCFE Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare Location: Distance Learning Start date: Ongoing Duration: 300 recommended study hours – two years' tutorial support

Get accredited for a stimulating and rewarding career

This Level 3 course - awarded by NCFE and supported by the Children’s Workforce Development Council - is designed to qualify new practitioners for registration and regulatory requirements within the childcare sector. The course also increases your employability by giving you an industry recognised qualification that opens the door to further early childcare studies such as a Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies.

Develop theoretical and practical skills

The course covers the development and learning needs of children from birth to the age of 19. Topics include legislation and duty of care, equality and diversity, supporting special needs, working as a team and more.

By the end of your training you'll have a solid understanding of the skills required by child carers, along with a good knowledge of early education frameworks. You will also complete a 400 hour work placement*, giving you a chance to put your new knowledge to the test in a real life environment.

*The student is responsible for organising this placement.

View a short selection of our Course Content and Sample Materials for the NCFE Level 3 Early Learning and Childcare Diploma.

Course Snapshot

• Level 3 qualification - comparable to studying at A Level
• Accredited by NCFE and approved by the Childrens Workforce Development Council
• No prior experience required but a CRB check will be required
• 17 QCF units in total -11 core units, six early years units - plus one optional unit
• Three books containing 10 assignments and one online book, externally verified by the NCFE – this course is assessed via submitted coursework so there is no final exam
• Approximately 300 recommended study hours plus up to 400 hours work experience – as this is a distance learning course you are in complete control over how much time you commit to your studies each week
• Flexible Payment Options
• It is essential that you have regular access to a PC with Windows XP Home (SP3) operating system or higher

What's Included?

• Two years unlimited tutorial support
• Bespoke course materials written by industry experts
• 24 hour access to the Home Learning College Virtual Learning Community – the UK’s biggest online campus
• Free Career Management Centre services
• Optional access to student rewards
• Optional NUS card - the definitive student discount card with a range of exclusive discounts

Before you enrol on a Home Learning College Course, please ensure that you have read and understood the pre-requirements below:

• You have a valid UK address (students outside the UK will receive an additional postage charge).
• You are over the age of 18 or have a third party payee for any financial agreement.
• You have a solid grasp of the English language.
• You have access to a computer and the internet throughout your study period.
• You have basic PC skills in order to navigate our Virtual Learning Community.
• You are fully committed to your studies.

CRB Check Requirement

In order to work with children for your work placement, you MUST undertake a CRB check and your school will usually request this.

Most schools will be able to undertake this check. If not you can make a personal application and further details can be found at the Criminal Records Bureau website.

Please note that Home Learning College is unable to arrange this check and students must ensure that the proper arrangements are made either personally or via their school.

Did you know that one of the most common challenges people face in pursuing education is the cost?

That’s why Home Learning College has developed the most flexible payment terms of any other UK distance learning provider.

• Pay in full now and receive 20% off the price

You can split your course fees over one, two or three instalments at no extra charge and still benefit from the 20% discount.

Alternatively you can choose to pay by 12 monthly instalments at 12.9% APR

Speak to one of our course advisers for further details.

On successful completion of your child care training you will receive the NCFE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce. This qualification provides new practitioners with the requirements for registration and regulation adherence within the childcare sector. These regulations are set by workforce development council guidelines for a full and relevant childcare development qualification.

The NCFE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce is gained by successfully completing all assessments and workplace evidence so there is no final exam.

This diploma qualification has been independently accredited at Level 3 on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) 500/8979/1, and is comparable to studying at A Level. Learning at this level is appropriate for people wishing to go to university, work independently, or in some areas supervise and train others in their field of work.

Gaining the NCFE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce will provide a real boost to your job prospects by equipping you with new skills and laying the foundations for a role within the early years or childcare sector.

You will be eligible to gain employment in a mainstream nursery or reception class or to offer independent services in this sector. This qualification will also help you progress onto higher level studies including a Foundation Degree in Early Years Studies.

This NCFE Level 3 Diploma in the Children and Young Peoples Workforce (Early Learning and Childcare) course, follows the Early Years Pathway. Job roles you can apply for with this qualification include Nursery Assistant, Early Years or Foundation Stage Teaching Assistant, Playgroup assistant, Creche worker, Childminder and any other relevant job role where you will be involved in the care of young children. You are advised to check that this qualification is suitable for the career path you wish to follow, prior to enrolling on the course.

*Source: www.payscale.com, May 2011

NCFE is one of the UK’s fastest growing national awarding bodies, designing and awarding qualifications that are nationally recognised to meet the needs of learners and employers.

NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (the Welsh Government) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

(Note: Legislation regarding child care is different in Scotland. The CWDC does not regulate in Scotland, therefore this NCFE qualification is not recognised there. CWDC accreditation is recognised in England, Wales and Northern Ireland).