Awarded by CACHE and City & Guilds
For people working at a senior level with children or children and their families. The structure of the award recognises the complexity of work and skills needed within the early years and play sectors at this level.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications but significant experience as a manager or advanced practitioner.
Duration: To be completed within the registration period.
Methods of study: Requires a major self-reflective study.
Course content: Consists of three strands to choose from: advanced practice, enchancing quality and quality control and management.
Career moves: Progression to higher level qualifications such as a foundation degree.
* More information at www.cache.org.uk or www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
EDEXCEL LEVEL 4 HIGHER NATIONAL IN ADVANCED PRACTICE IN WORK WITH CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to advance practitioner qualifications to meet new roles and responsibilities in increasingly integrated services and provision.
Course provider: FE and adult education colleges.
Entry requirements: Work-related experience or GCSEs or relevant vocational qualifications.
Duration: 600 guided learning hours (certificate), 960 (diploma); and 800 hours professional placement.
Methods of study: Written and work-based learning.
Course content: Core units include theories of child development, the early years curriculum, anti- discriminatory practice, understanding children's behaviour, continuing development, health and safety and current legislation, independent study and research, child protection and professional practice.
Career moves: Enhances suitability for new roles and provides progression to higher education.
EDEXCEL LEVEL 4 BTEC PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA IN SPECIALISED PLAY FOR SICK CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
This course is designed to give the theoretical and practical education and training needed to work with sick children and young people in a specialised play environment. The qualification is badged and recognised by the Hospital Play Staff Education Trust.
Course provider: FE and adult education colleges.
Entry requirements: Learners must be 20 years or over and possess a minimum of 3 years' experience of working with children.
Duration: 360 guided learning hours, a minimum of 150 hours' placement.
Methods of study: Work-based and written work.
Course content: Theories of development and play, professional practice, specialised play in the hospital and community, specific needs in play, management of play services. All learners must also undertake a hospital play project.
Career moves: This qualification is recognised as the requirement for application for registration with the Hospital Play Staff Education Trust and, if this process is successful, leads to qualification as a hospital play specialist.
* More information at:
www.edexcel.org.uk
NQF LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS PRACTICE
Awarded by The Open University
The certificate is included in the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Framework (Early Years Education, Childcare and Playwork) at level 4. This programme is for those who want a qualification in early years practice either in its own right or as an interim qualification towards the foundation degree in early years. The course takes into account the training needs of a wide range of early years practitioners working in a variety of early years education and childcare settings.
Course provider: Distance learning through The Open University.
Entry qualifications: Students are expected to be working directly with young children in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Duration: Usually two years, part time. Candidates are required to complete the award within four years of starting it.
Methods of study: Work-based and distance learning.
Course content: The course centres on four areas: knowledge and understanding, cognitive skills, practical and professional skills and key skills.
Career moves: The course can be seen as part of a career progression route to qualified teacher status via the registered or graduate teacher route, post graduate certificate in education or the proposed employment-based route into teaching.
* More information including course fees at www.ou.org.uk/courses. Some employers may be prepared to contribute towards the cost.
CACHE LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE IN MANAGING QUALITY STANDARDS IN CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Provides professional development for practitioners responsible for quality assurance or for interested in progressing into this area of work. Designed in partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: An appropriate level 3 qualification. Candidates are expected to be working with young children in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Duration: Approximately 60 hours.
Methods of study: One internally assessed assignment and one externally assessed assignment.
Course content: Professional development in quality assurance practices. To establish, improve and maintain standards in children's services; manage the preparation required for statutory inspections; analyse training needs and develop appropriate learning programmes.
Career moves: The CACHE NVQ Level 4 Early Years Care and Education, or a management and supervisory role.
* More information at:
www.pre-school.org.uk www.cache.org.uk or on 01727 847636 .
