Course Overview
This course is designed to stimulate interest and encourage understanding of the skills required to care for children. You need to show you are hardworking, be willing to learn, have good communication skills, and be able to work as part of a team. You also need to make sure you have a genuine interest in working with children, and show patience and understanding.
In class you will be working on topics including Caring for Children, Understanding Play for Early Learning, Health and Safety, Food Safety Craft Activities for Young Children, Supporting Babies to Play, and many more including Maths, English and Employability Skills.
You will be required to also study for your GCSE in English and/or Maths alongside your childcare course, in order to give you the best chance to progress to the level 2 if appropriate.
You will be taught in class by subject specialists and there will also be speaker’s from outside agencies who will be invited into the class to discuss various aspects of early years care and education in order to enhance your knowledge so that you will be able to complete your assignments to the best of your ability.
This course is for 16 - 18 year olds who want to work in childcare but do not have the English and Maths qualifications, or the self confidence to complete the Level 2 and T Level Childcare courses.
You will need to achieve GCSEs grades 3 - 1 including English and Maths. Alternatively successful completion of a Level 1 Functional Skill in English and Maths. Please note this course is designed for 16 - 18 year olds only.
Assessment will occur through assignments, leaflets, posters, and the completion of practical activities in college. There are no exams or external assessments on this course.
There may be an opportunity for students who are up to date with their coursework to attend a placement in the summer term.
On successful completion of this course you could progress onto other level 2 courses including the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Caring for Children or onto a Level 2 Childcare Apprenticeship
Eventually after progression onto a level 2 apprenticeship, you could gain employment as an assistant practitioner in a range of settings including pre-schools or day nurseries.
Gaining some experience prior to the start of the course is also very useful. Voluntary work at a local pre-school, school, or day nursery can provide an invaluable first step into industry and offer good preparation for the course.
For more information please contact neilsonc@bpc.ac.uk