Childcare

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

The aim of the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner  qualification is to support leadership and management skills in early years and the knowledge and skills relating to the early years practice. 

The Early Years Senior Practitioner will be a positive role model for the team. Through clear leadership and effective management, the Senior Practitioner will support and promote best practice within legislative requirements to enable quality provision. Working collaboratively with colleagues, other professionals and parents/carers the Senior Practitioner engages and motivates all involved for improved outcomes for babies and children.

Entry Requirements:

Learners must be aged 19 years or over. Learners  will need to have a minimum of a Level 3 Early Years qualification. You will have day to day responsibility for both the children in your care and the adults who care for them. You may need to take on additional roles to achieve this qualification, for example, contributing to the development of policies and procedures, and setting individual and team
objectives.

What does the course involve?:

The areas covered in this qualification include:
•   Quality environments
•   Early years pedagogy
•   Behaviour
•   Care routines
•   Professional development
•   Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
•   Safeguarding
•   Inclusion
•   Development
•   Play for learning
•   Partnership working
•   The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
•   Leading and managing
•   Health, safety and well-being
•   Roles and responsibilities

How is the course assessed?:

All units will be internally assessed using an externally set and internally marked Assessment of Learning.

Additional Notes:

Students will receive ongoing one-to-one guidance and support. Learning resources are provided and available from home via the college’s Moodle system. Our dedicated Student Support Tutor for Higher Education also provides support with assignment planning, organisation and time management, presentation skills, reading and notetaking.

Further Information:

Upon successful completion, learners can work as an Early Years Senior Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce across the private, voluntary and independent sector or progress to Higher Education in a relevant subject area

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Mentoring is - and has been for centuries - the foundation of vocational training and apprenticeships, yet this standard is the first formal recognition of this role.  Nowadays, mentoring takes place in all parts of the Education and Training Sector (ETS) and staff-development contexts. LMs support learners of all ages, and all levels, to develop within a new work role.  These learners may be, for example, apprentices, trainees or new recruits (ranging from young entrants, to new CEOs) in the workplace, or in any vocational learning environment. 

LMs will have sector-specific experience and qualifications, as determined by their employer or professional body, which they use to guide and advise those who are less experienced and new to a work role. The LM is therefore a ‘dual professional’ having both up-to-date knowledge and skills in a specialist vocational or subject area, together with the generic skills necessary to support learners (as potentially a first step towards a secondary role as an education and training professional).     

LMs therefore support the development of learners’ knowledge, skills and behaviours, throughout their programme, particularly in applying theoretical learning in practical work environments (and usually on a one-to-one, or small group, basis). They give practical, technical and/or pastoral support and guidance. 

LMs collaborate closely with colleagues, other ETS professional, employers and/or human resource colleagues to meet learners’ needs and achieve their potential.

Entry Requirements:

In order to complete the learning mentor Apprenticeship, you will be expected to complete an initial assessment in maths and English to ensure you are at a suitable level to work towards this qualification. To apply for this Apprenticeship, you must have obtained both maths and English at a Grade C (4) or above, prior to enrolment onto this course.

What does the course involve?:

For a comprehensive understanding of the learning mentor programme and what it entails, please click here.

How is the course assessed?:

This learning mentor Apprenticeship is flexibly taught either at our London Road campus or on site for small groups on a day release basis once a week. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer.  You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do carry out this role effectively.

Additional Notes:

Typically, this mentoring Apprenticeship will take 18 months to complete.

What do I do next?:

To be a mentoring apprentice you will need to be in employment where coaching and mentoring is embraced as a role for supporting other colleagues in their development. The employer would also be required to release you for your training. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 260400 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes
Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, preschools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

Entry Requirements:

In order to complete this childcare Apprenticeship, you will be expected to complete an initial assessment in Maths and English to ensure you are at a suitable level to work towards this qualification. To apply for this Apprenticeship, you must have obtained both Maths and English at a Grade 4 or above, prior to enrolment onto this course.

What does the course involve?:

For a comprehensive understanding of this early years programme and what it entails, please click here.

How is the course assessed?:

This childcare Apprenticeship is taught at our London Road Campus on a day release basis once a week. In addition, you will be visited at your workplace regularly by your assessor, to assess your practical skills and knowledge as well as review your progress with your employer. You will be required to sit an End Point Assessment, towards the final stages of your programme, to ensure you have obtained the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to do your job effectively.

Additional Notes:

Typically, this childcare Apprenticeship will take 2 years to complete.

What do I do next?:

To be an apprentice in early years you will need an employer who can offer you work and release you for your training. Once you have an employer in place, you can apply online. If after reading this fact sheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Advice Events, ring the Apprenticeship Team on 01743 260400 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

This course is for anyone aged between 16-19. This course is career related and is open to students who wish to be working as or progress to a Teaching Assistant; Learning Support Assistant; Special Educational Needs Assistant or related roles. Progression to the Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning is also an option.

Entry Requirements:

A minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above (including English) and GCSE Maths at Grade 3, or a Level 1 qualification in Health & Social Care or Childcare.

Safeguarding you as students and the children  and young people you will be caring for on placement is extremely important. You are required to bring 3 pieces of ID on enrolment, so you can complete a DBS check.

What does the course involve?:

This course will help you to develop the knowledge and skills needed to work in the stimulating and rewarding education sector. Our experienced teaching staff will help you to learn the skills and techniques needed to work in this fascinating and vital industry.

The course consists of 11 units that cover a wide range of areas including:
• Children and young people’s development
• Supporting children’s learning
• Young people’s positive behaviour and communication
• Professional relationships
• You will spend three days a week in college and two days a week on placement in a local school.

How is the course assessed?:

This course involves a range of assessment approaches. Across the 11 units of the course, you will be assessed through essays, reports, reflective accounts, presentations, activity plans, displays, placement observations and case studies.

Additional Notes:

There will be work placements of a minimum of two days a week and block placements during your study.
• Guest speakers
• Forest School activities
• Trips and Visits
• Celebrating current events such as World Book Day.

This qualification enables you to seek employment as a Level 2 teaching assistant or in other roles within the childcare industry. You could also progress to other qualifications such as the T Level in Education and Early Years and Level 3 apprenticeships.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

This Level 2 course provides you with an exciting opportunity to begin your career in the early years sector. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to care for and work with babies and young children from 0-7 years of age, with practical experience in the early years (0-5 years). You’ll study in dedicated Early Years classrooms and be guided through the course by experienced teachers.

Entry Requirements:

At least 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above (including English) and GCSE Maths at Grade 3 or above, or a Level 1 qualification in Health & Social Care or Childcare.

Safeguarding you as students and the children you will be caring for on work placement is extremely important, you are requiried to bring 3 pieces of ID on enrolment, so you can complete a DBS check.

 

What does the course involve?:

This Level 2 course provides you with an exciting opportunity to begin your career in the Early Years sector. You will gain the knowledge and skills for caring for and working with babies and young children from 0-7 years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0-5 years. You’ll study in dedicated childcare classrooms and be guided through the course by expert and experienced teachers.

You will spend three days of the week achieving 14 units which cover:

  • Child development
  • Play
  • Safeguarding
  • Health & well-being
  • Behaviour
  • Special educational needs and disability
  • Partnership working.

You will undertake a work placement two days per week in an Early Years setting (250 hours). Through your work placement, the knowledge and skills you have built up during your time in the classroom can be put into practice every week, enhancing your learning and development.

How is the course assessed?:

This course involves a range of assessment approaches. Across the 14 units of the course, you will be assessed through essays, reports, reflective accounts, presentations, activity plans, displays, placement observations and more.

How much does it cost?:

The full time programme is free. If you are over 19 years please speak to Admissions.

Additional Notes:

There are opportunities to continue studying English and Maths as part of your timetable to achieve a Grade 4 or above to aid your progression onto Level 3 and enhance your employment prospects.
• Guest speakers
• Forest School activities
• Trips and Visits
• Celebrating current events such as World Book Day.

This qualification enables you to be employed as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner. Other employment opportunities that are open to you include teaching assistant, nanny, family support worker, play worker, and children’s holiday representative. 

You could also progress to other qualifications such as the T Level in Education and Early Years and Level 3 apprenticeships.

Further Information:

There are opportunities to continue studying English and Maths as part of your timetable to achieve a grade 4 or above to aid your progression onto Level 3 and enhance your employment prospects. There will be work placements of a minimum of two days a week and block placements during your study.

Open For Applications: Yes
Who is it for?:

Studying Health, Social Care or Childcare & Education at SCG can lead to a rewarding career. Whichever area of the sector you choose to work in, it is essential that you have good skills and the necessary qualifications. Our specialist teachers will guide you through the course requirements and help you to develop strong communication skills.

You will need to be enthusiastic, show positive behaviour, and be prepared to work hard for your qualification.

The course is career related and is open to students who wish to:

  • Obtain employment as assistants in Health & Social Care or Child Care settings
  • Progress to Level 2
  • Gain maths and English GCSEs
  • Develop Social Skills, Caring Skills and Childcare Skills
  • Gain a positive learning experience with like-minded fellow students.
Entry Requirements:
  • You will need a minimum of 2 GCSEs at grade 2 including English language 
  • You will need to demonstrate your ability to maintain good attendance and punctuality
  • You will need to be able to demonstrate positive communication skills and behaviour
What does the course involve?:

You will study a range of units, including:

• Human growth and development
• Equality and inclusion
• Safeguarding
• Principles and values

All of these units are designed to give you the knowledge and understanding that you will need to progress academically and to enable you to have the employability skills required to work in the sectors.

How is the course assessed?:

This course involves a range of assessment approaches. For example, you might be involved in producing an assessed portfolio, completing written assignments, or creating assessed visual work.

Additional Notes:

If you complete the Level 1 Diploma with good attendance, two weeks of work experience and the necessary English and Maths qualifications, you can progress to a Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care, Early Years or Supporting Teaching and Learning.

You can progress to Level 2, either in Health & Social Care, Early Years or Supporting Teaching and Learning (Teaching Assistants), dependent on successful completion of Level 1 with good attendance and punctuality, completion of two weeks of work experience and having gained English and Maths at Level 1 or GCSE Grade 3.

Further Information:

We encourage all Level 1 Diploma students to complete two weeks of work experience to put the knowledge you will have developed over the duration of the course into practice.

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