Why choose Children’s Play, Learning and Development?
This is a well-recognised qualification for working with children. Students have the opportunity to train in a wide variety of work settings and follow up this practice with theory in the classroom. The Level 3 Extended Diploma is a full-time two-year course which, including the work experience, is equivalent to three A Levels. The course gives you the license to practice as an early years practitioner but also the qualifications needed to go on to higher education. Additional training includes a Paediatric First Aid certificate.
Resources and Facilities
- Baby care equipment for feeding and sterilising, new virtual reality babies as well as resusci-babies
- Educational toys for learning through play
- Early Years Curriculum Resources - Early Years, Foundation Stage Curriculum and National Curriculum
- DVDs related to early years practice
- A wide selection of books can be found within the department and the Learning Resources Centre
- Guest speakers and children in College
Extra-curricular Activities
You will be taken on many visits including the Snoezelen Centre, forest schools, Acorns Hospice and other playwork settings.
Teaching and Learning Styles
Lessons are varied and full of practical activities. We have specialists in Child Development, Early Years Education, Nursing, Sociology and Special Needs. Work training is also a vital part of your course and you will be visited regularly and assessed in each placement.
Assessment
All units are assessed and graded and an overall grade for the qualification is awarded. There is one written exam and two externally marked controlled assessments.
Progression Opportunities
This course will prepare you for careers such as paediatric nursing, nursery and primary teaching, professional nannying and nursery nursing.
What happens if I do not qualify for level 3?
If you do not meet the entry requirements for Level 3 CPLD, we do offer a Level 2 Award CPLD which you take alongside Level 2 Award in Health and Social Care. The CPLD Award is made up of 3 units. One external written exam in child development and two coursework units looking at play and inclusivity in early years’ settings. This course can be taken alongside other GCSE subjects and is aimed to support progression to Level 3.
Lucy Ballard
Entry Requirements
| Essential Qualifications | Other Desirable Qualifications / Combinations | Skills & Attributes Required for Success | Guidance on Costs or Commitments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Please see ‘General Course Entry Requirements’ GCSE English at grade 4 or above. | GCSE Maths at grade 4 or above. Those with a grade 3 will need to undertake Maths at a twilight evening class. | Basic IT Skills. Communication Skills. Work independently. Organisational Skills. Ability to meet deadlines. | DBS £44 Placement Insurance Check £20 Polo Shirts £10 Trips - variable. |
Qualifications and Enrollment Options
| Qualification Name | A Level Equivalence | Duration | Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Extended Certificate | 1 A Level (3 Blocks) | 2 years | Pearson BTEC |
| National Extended Diploma EYE | 3 A Levels (3 Blocks) | 2 years | Pearson BTEC |
Related Courses / Activities
Health and Social Care Level 3 Applied
Food Science and Nutrition Level 3 Applied
