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

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.

Extra-curricular Activities

You will be taken on many visits including the Snoezelen Centre, forest schools, Acorns Hospice and other playwork settings.

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

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.

Level 2 Requirements

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.

Progression Opportunities

This course will prepare you for careers such as paediatric nursing, nursery and primary teaching, professional nannying and nursery nursing.

Entry Requirements

Skills & Attributes Required for Success Guidance on Costs or Commitments
Ability to meet course deadlinesTwo separate weeks of work experience+. Students must be police checked through DBS: approx. £44.

Qualifications and Enrollment Options

Qualification Name GCSE Equivalence Duration Awarding Body
Level 2 First Award1 GCSE (1 Block)1 yearBTEC First

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