Why Study 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 and will be assessed by coursework and external exams.
You will study a wide range of subjects within the course, looking at health and development of children as well as early education. The course is based around the requirements of the early years curriculum and you will be trained to use this, both to support your theory and your practice on placement.
The course is full-time and is made up of three days per week in College and structured work placements for the other two days. A portfolio of work is generated over the two years and students are assessed by both placement mentors and teaching staff, who will visit placements regularly.
Why study CPLD at Worcester Sixth Form College?
Our staff all have early years backgrounds either in health or education and therefore teach from experience and with a passion for this sector. Many units require the learning to be applied to placement settings and work will be carried out with children and assessed initially by placement mentors, this helps students to see that their learning has a real purpose. Visits from staff will further support students and students will have time to talk through their placement experiences and show the skills they have learnt.
Trips and visits are used to support classroom learning and these usually include specialist schools, Acorns Hospice, Forest schools and centres for children with additional or specialist needs.
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid is also studied by all students as this is a vital qualification for anyone working with children and a requirement for employment.
Progression Opportunities
The course gives students 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.
Students typically go on to study Primary Teaching, Early Childhood Studies, Paediatric Nursing, Social Work and Additional Needs Courses. Each year, a number of students will go on to the prestigious Norland College in Bath.
Guest speakers are often invited to discuss progression opportunities either in employment or in higher education.
Carissa Palmeri
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 and Maths at grade 4 or above. | Basic IT Skills. Communication Skills. Work independently. Organisational Skills. Ability to meet deadlines. | DBS £47.80 Placement Insurance Check £20 Polo Shirts £10 Trips - variable. |
Qualifications and Enrolment Options
| Qualification Name | A Level Equivalence | Duration | Awarding Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Extended Diploma EYE | 3 A Levels (3 Blocks) | 2 years | Pearson BTEC |
Our CPLD Alumni
Eleanor Rose (2015-2017)
Related Courses / Activities
Health and Social Care Level 3 Applied
Food Science and Nutrition Level 3 Applied
