CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN PLAYWORK
A nationally recognised qualification that provides knowledge of regulations and playwork values.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates must be aged 16 and have at least 50 hours of playwork experience.
Duration: Up to 60 guided learning hours.
Methods of study: Guided learning, practical work and personal study.
Course content: Two units: playwork practice and health and safety in a play setting.
Career moves: Equips candidates to work as playworkers, mainly under supervision.
CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CHILD CARE AND EDUCATION
Course covers children at different stages of their growth and development, how to care for and educate them and how to work with parents, carers and other professionals.
Course provider: FE colleges, technical colleges and schools.
Entry qualifications: No formal entry requirements.
Duration: One year, full time; some study centres offer it as a part-time course over a longer period of time.
Methods of study: Work-based learning.
Course content: The course comprises four mandatory main units: the physical care and development of the child, working with young children, emotional and social development and preparing for employment with young children. The two optional units are: work with babies nought to one year or parents and carers.
Career moves: Progression to the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education (DCE), or, once working, to the NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education.
CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN PRE-SCHOOL PRACTICE
CACHE and the Pre-School Learning Alliance have joined forces to develop this award which is designed for those wishing to work at a supervised level in the pre-school sector.
Course provider: Colleges, adult and community education centres, throughout the Pre-School Learning Alliance and in a wide variety of community-based settings.
Entry qualifications: Suitable for those 16 and over working in pre school/playgroup/nursery setting.
Duration: Course sessions total 240 hours.
Methods of study: Four units of study with at least 150 hours in an early years setting.
Course content: Covers an introduction to pre-school practice, the needs of young children, working in partnership with parents in pre-school settings, supporting the care and education of children aged one to five years.
Career moves: Candidates can move on to CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice, CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education.
CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS PRACTICE
This award prepares candidates to work in a supervised role, competently, safely and effectively with children up to the age of seven.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: For those aged 14 and above.
Duration: Can be taken as a full or part-time course with 180 total learning hours.
Methods of study: A multiple-choice question paper and three internally assessed units.
Course content: Four units cover the development and needs of children, providing activities and experiences for young children, working within settings, and looking at the environment for young children.
Career moves: Progression to NVQ Level 2 Early Years Care and Education or CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education.
CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHING ASSISTANTS
An all-round course helping candidates to learn how to support teachers in schools.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates should be over 16 years of age. It is likely that candidates will have achieved a GCSE at grade D or above, or equivalent.
Duration: Part time - may be undertaken over the CACHE period of registration. A total of 120 guided learning hours.
Methods of study: As the assignments are practice-related, in order to complete the CTA2 a minimum of 60 placement hours per unit must be undertaken in a teaching assistant setting.
Course content: The two units are: Supporting the Curriculum and Working Within the School.
Career moves: Combined with the NVQ Level 2 for Teaching Assistants, the CTA2 offers progression opportunities on to related level 3 qualifications, eg the CACHE Level 3 Certificate for Teaching Assistants, the NVQ Level 3 for Teaching Assistants, and other related qualifications.
CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS CARE AND EDUCATION (WELSH MEDIUM)
Taught and assessed in Welsh or bi-lingually, thereby encouraging and promoting the Welsh language and culture.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates must be 16 years or over. While no formal qualifications are required, you may need to show you have sufficient skills to undertake a level 2 award. Candidates need to be working in either a paid, voluntary, or placement basis in and across a range of early years settings operating in a Welsh context.
Duration: 180 guided learning hours. Part time.
Methods of study: Four units must be completed successfully.
Course content: Units covered include: the development and needs of children nought to four years 11 months, providing experiences and activities for young children, working within Welsh-medium settings. A work placement is also recommended.
Career moves: Progression to the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Care and Education (Welsh Medium) or other level 3 qualifications.
CACHE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN SUPPORTING PLAYWORK PRACTICE (CSPP)
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates should be aged 16 or over, and should be able to demonstrate the ability to operate at an appropriate level, eg possess the equivalent of all the Key Skills at level 1 (or be able to achieve them during the programme).
Duration: Approximately 180 teaching hours.
Methods of study:Two internally assessed assignments, one externally assessed multiple-choice question paper.
Course content: You will learn how to work in a supervised role, competently, safely and effectively. Provides wider knowledge to enhance best practice and promote personal and transferable skills.
Career moves: The CSPP curriculum and assessed material provides the knowledge, understanding and skills for the NVQ Level 2 Playwork. Therefore, if the award is achieved alongside the NVQ, you will then be in a position to progress to an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship or other related level 3 qualification as appropriate.
l More information including course fees at www.cache.org.uk or on 01727 847 636 or at www.pre-school.org.uk. Contact your local Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for details of funding.
City & Guilds
CITY & GUILDS PROGRESSION AWARD LEVEL 2 IN PLAYWORK
Two qualifications in one course which provide the underpinning knowledge required to assist in playwork and/or early years settings.
Course provider: FE colleges, employers and some trusts.
Entry qualifications: No formal requirements.
Duration: No recommended duration.
Methods of study: Work placements and written assignments.
Course content: Covers subjects such as facilitating play, employment opportunities and roles, administration, health, safety, planning activities and developmental stages.
Career moves: Expands career prospects and provides access to level 3 qualifications.
CITY & GUILDS LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE EARLY YEARS SETTING
This award ensures that candidates gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to work safely and effectively in early years settings in the first few weeks and months of work.
Course provider: FE colleges, employers and some trusts.
Entry qualifications: No formal requirements but need to be based in workplace setting.
Duration: No recommended duration.
Methods of study: Written and work-based assignments.
Course content: Five key areas include the principles and values of early years care and education, working safely with children, working with children to promote their physical development, working with children to promote their emotional, social, intellectual and language development, developing personal skills and knowledge.
Career moves: Provides access to NVQ.
CITY & GUILDS PROGRESSION AWARD: EARLY YEARS CARE AND EDUCATION LEVELS 2 AND 3
These awards provide a valuable alternative for those who do not yet have access to real workplace experience.
Course provider: FE colleges, employers and trusts.
Entry qualifications: No formal requirements.
Duration: 180 learning hours plus 120 hours of practical assignments.
Methods of study: Written and work-based assignments.
Course content: Core components include: understanding the role of the childcare worker, investigating the principles of working with children one to eight, preparing to contribute to the protection of children, and preparing to work with parents.
Career moves: The level 2 award supports the NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Care and Education. The level 3 is for those who wish to progress, but who do not have access to the full range of workplace experience to enable them access to the NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education.
* More information including course fees at www.city-and-guilds.co.uk. Contact your local LSC for details of funding.
NCFE
NCFE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN DEVELOPING SKILLS WORKING WITH CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
An introductory qualification, aiming to enable candidates to develop a basic awareness of potential careers in working with children and young people aged nought to 15 years.
Course provider: Colleges, schools and community centres.
Entry qualifications: Suitable for anyone interested in working with children. Minimum entry age is 14.
Duration: 90 hours including 30 hours' work placement.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Four units cover professional and personal development for those aspiring to work with children/young people, contributing to the provision of equal opportunities for children and young people, practical support for maintaining a safe environment and providing a range of activities.
Career moves: Students can progress to other level 2 or level 3 qualifications, and specialisations.
NCFE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN DEVELOPING SKILLS FOR EARLY YEARS PRACTICE
An all-round course for those early years staff who are currently working under supervision in a daycare setting and wish to follow a career in childcare/early years practice.
Course provider: FE colleges, local authority adult education schemes and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates must be aged 18 or above (this age will be reduced to 16 from September 2005). Suitable for those working as level 2 assistants.
Duration: 120 hours including 40 hours' work placement.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Units cover: contributing to and maintaining a safe environment for children under eight, contributing to the provision of equal opportunities, providing appropriate play activities, the early years curriculum.
There are optional units - working with babies in a creche and working with pre-school playgroups.
Career moves: Boosts prospects for those wanting to begin a career in childcare.
NCFE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE IN MIDDAY SUPERVISION
The qualification aims to enhance candidates' employment prospects as a direct step from the qualification.
Course provider: Colleges and community centres.
Entry qualifications: Suitable for adult learners or school leavers aged 17 or above. Experience of working with children is recommended.
Duration: 90 hours with 15 hours' midday supervisions.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Four units cover exploring the roles and responsibilities of the midday supervisor, providing support for children's social development and developing skills to support management of children's behaviour.
Career moves: Students can progress to other NCFE level 3 qualifications, and specialisations.
NCFE LEVEL 2 CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHING ASSISTANTS
A qualification for those candidates who wish to
train to become teaching assistants and for those who would like to gain recognition of skills acquired while working in the childcare sector.
Course provider: Colleges and community centres.
Entry qualifications: Suitable for adult learners or school leavers aged 18 or above. Experience of working with children is recommended.
Duration: 150 hours with 50 hours' work placement.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Three units cover developing professional skills and knowledge, understanding legal requirements and supporting the teacher in relation to pupils' learning. Optional units include supporting the teacher in the development of pupils' literacy and numeracy skills or exploring the management of pupils' behaviour and special educational needs.
Ca 5reer moves: Students can progress to other NCFE level 3 qualifications, and specialisations.
l More information including course fees at www.ncfe.org.uk. Contact your local LSC for details of funding.
Edexcel
EDEXCEL LEVEL 2 BTEC FIRST DIPLOMA IN EARLY YEARS
A vocational qualification related to the National Occupational Standards in Early Years Care and Education.
Course provider: Schools, FE and technical colleges.
Entry qualifications: If without formal qualifications, candidates are expected to have related work experience and be 16 years old or older.
Duration: 360 guided learning hours plus work experience placement of 200 hours.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Core units comprise: values and interpersonal skills, physical, social and emotional development and good practice in childcare settings. Specialist units: children's activities and play, care for babies, post-natal care and working in partnership with parents.
Career moves: Progression to a supervised role in the sector, to a level 3 qualification or level 2 NVQ.
EDEXCEL LEVEL 2 BTEC CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS CARE AND EDUCATION
Approved as a technical certificate for the Early Years Care and Education framework.
Course provider: Schools, FE and technical colleges.
Entry qualifications: If without formal qualifications, candidates are expected to have related work experience.
Duration: 180 guided learning hours - no prescribed professional hours.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Core units include physical, social and emotional development, good practice in childcare settings, activities for developing communication skills.
Career moves: Progression to a level 3 qualification or a level 2 NVQ.
EDEXCEL LEVEL 2 BTEC CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Provides knowledge and practical application of skills for teaching assistants who work largely under supervision.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: No formal entry requirements.
Duration: 180 guided learning hours. No work placement hours are specified with this qualification but work placement is necessary to be able to undertake the course.
Methods of study: Work-based and written work.
Course content: Five units covering learning environments, classroom practices, supporting oracy, literacy and numeracy, use of ICT and supporting children's wellbeing and welfare.
Career moves: NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistants or Edexcel level 3 BTEC Certificate for Teaching Assistants.
* More information at www.edexcel.org.uk
National Open College Network
NOCN INTERMEDIATE AWARD IN CHILDCARE
Provides the essential knowledge and skills required for effective working practice.
Course provider: The Open College network includes FE and sixth form colleges, trade unions, employers, training providers and LEAs.
Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications required.
Duration: 120 guided learning hours.
Methods of study: A written assessment and work-based assignments.
Course content: Core units include health and safety in the childcare setting, strategies for inclusion and equal opportunities in childcare, play and child development, partnership in childcare.
Career moves: Progression to more advanced training or work within the sector.
NOCN LEVEL 2 AWARD IN PLAY WORK
Award aimed at any adult working in a waged or unwaged capacity with children in a variety of playwork or out-of-school settings.
Course provider: The Open College network includes FE and sixth form colleges, trade unions, employers, training providers and LEAs.
Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications required.
Duration: 120 guided learning hours.
Methods of study: A written assessment and work-based assignments.
Course content: Units include health and safety in play work settings, play and play provision, the role of the play worker.
Career moves: Progression to more advanced training or work within the sector.
* More information at www.nocn.org.uk
NVQ level 2
NVQ LEVEL 2 IN EARLY YEARS CARE AND EDUCATION
Awarded by City & Guilds, CACHE, Edexcel, The Open University
This is a widely recognised, practical qualification undertaken while working. Level 2 is for those who are working, or will be working, under supervision and doing a wide range of activities.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications are required, suitable for those already working in childcare.
Duration: Candidates proceed at their own pace. Completion usually takes approximately 12 to 18 months.
Methods of study: Work-based learning.
Course content: Mandatory units include: supporting children's physical developmental needs, supporting children's social and emotional development, planned activities for sensory and intellectual development and planned activities for the development of language and communication skills.
Career moves: Progression to NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Care and Education or CACHE level 3 VRQs.
NVQ LEVEL 2 IN PLAYWORK
Awarded by City & Guilds, CACHE, Edexcel
Provides a progression qualification for those working at assistant level in a playwork environment with children aged from four up.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications required but candidates should already be working in childcare with children aged between four and 16 years.
Duration: Usually 12 to 18 months.
Methods of study: Work-based learning.
Course content: Six mandatory units including: supporting the protection of children from abuse, supporting children and young people's play, positive relationships in the playwork setting, health and safety in the play environment.
Career moves: Paves the way to level 3 study - CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playwork, NVQ Level 3 in Playwork (you must be supervising other playworkers before undertaking this award).
NVQ LEVEL 2 TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Awarded by CACHE and Edexcel
For people working in or wanting to work in the field, who support teachers, and who work largely under supervision, particularly supporting the numeracy and literacy strategies.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: No formal entry qualifications.
Duration: Candidates proceed at their own pace. Completion usually takes approximately 12 to 18 months.
Methods of study: Work-based learning.
Course content: Mandatory units include: helping with classroom resources and recordkeeping, the care and support of pupils, providing support for learning activities, providing effective support for colleagues.
Career moves: NVQ Level 3 Teaching Assistants, CACHE Level 3 vocational related qualifications, for example, CTA3, DCE, DPP. Edexcel Level 3 BTEC Certificate for Teaching Assistants.
* More information:
www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
www.cache.org.uk
www.edexcel.org.uk
www.ou.org.uk
