NCFE Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare

Who is it for? Adult learner 19+, beginner 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 - accredited by the NCFE and approved by the Children’s Workforce Development Council - is designed to teach you about the role of learning and development in child care settings, and the legislative context in which child carers operate.

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
• No prior experience required but a CRB check will be required
• 14 module plus a work placement
• 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
• Optional NUS card - the definitive student discount card with a range of exclusive discounts
• Optional access to student rewards and career management service

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 Buereau 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.

Kick Start 2012 with an Achievement Award

To help encourage a successful start to 2012, Home Learning College has set up a fund of £50,000 to encourage and reward new students.

• Make a flying start to your study in 2012, and when you complete your first assignment you will be rewarded with an Official Certificate of Achievement and award of £150 for courses with a selling price over £600 or an award of £50 for courses with a selling price under £600*.
• Plus if you are selected as one of the top five students the full costs of your course will be covered by the fund.
  What more encouragement do you need?

*The Kick Start Achievement awards apply to all courses throughout January 17, 2012 and February 14, 2012.
Kick Start 2012 Terms and Conditions

Speak to one of our course advisers for further details quoting reference KICKSTART2012.

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 a licence to practise in the childcare sector and meets requirements as 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 award 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.

With the Diploma in Child Psychology you may be able to apply for jobs as a Nursery Assistant, earning a potential salary of around £12,000* per annum. You will also get a good taste of psychology as a subject and will have the opportunity to progress towards a qualification in a more specialised area of your choosing.

*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 (DCELLS) 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).