Childcare

Childcare
WJEC Level 3 Extended Diploma Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development | WJEC Level 2 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core
The rewarding nature of childcare is the biggest hook of all. At the heart of every childcare career is a passion for a child’s wellbeing and development.
Is this course right for me?
This programme will allow learners to develop the knowledge and skills required for employment and/or career progression in childcare or health settings. It has been developed for those working in, or intending to work in regulated childcare settings with families and children under the age of eight and/or NHS children’s services for those working with families and children 0-19. This includes child health settings.
Successful completion of the Extended Diploma in year two is equivalent to three A-levels.
What are the entry requirements?
- Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics
- Entry is subject to an enhanced DBS check
- Each application is considered on individual merit
- Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
Current student - what are the entry requirements?
- Successful completion of relevant Level 2 programme (including skills) and decision from progression board meeting
- GCSE English Language/First Language Welsh at grade C or above
- GCSE Mathematics at grade C or above
- Entry is subject to an enhanced DBS check
What will I learn?
The qualification combines theoretical knowledge with the practical skills needed to work within the sector.
Over two years, students will study:
- Level 3 Extended Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development programme
- Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core qualification (if not already completed) Please note this is the theory element of practice.
- Paediatric First Aid
- Food safety
- Welsh
Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development programme
The theoretical aspect focuses on principles and theories that influence children’s health, well-being and development and how the childcare and child health sector can respond to all the needs of children 0-19 years.
The knowledge, understanding and skills a learner is required to achieve within this qualification builds on the content of the Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory qualification and the Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core qualification
Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core
The qualification, known as ‘Core’ will provide a thorough introduction to the principles, values and knowledge needed to work in the Early Years sector. To achieve the Core qualification, learners must achieve the following units:
- Principles and values of Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development (0-19 years of age)
- Health, well-being, learning and development
- Professional practice as an Early Year’s and Childcare Worker
- Safeguarding children
- Health and safety in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development
- Promoting core practice in Children’s care, play and learning and development
- Promoting core practice in Children’s care, play and learning and development
- Promoting play, learning, growth and development
- Promoting nutrition and hydration in early years
- Responding to childhood illness, infestation/infection, disease and immunisation
- Practical skills for work placement in early years 0-7
- Promoting the care of 0-2 year olds
- Promoting the care of 2-3 year olds
- Promoting work with 3-7 year olds
- Facilitate group learning
- Positive approaches to behaviour support in early years
- Principles and theories that influence children’s care, play, learning and development in the 21st century in Wales
- Investigating current issues in children’s care, play, learning and development in Wales.
- Promoting and supporting speech, language and communication skills
Work Experience: You will be required to undertake 720 hours of work placement to achieve this qualification. Learners will have the opportunity to complete work placement in a day nursery with 0-3 years and in a school with 3 – 8 years. Work placement is normally 2 days per week with additional block placements throughout the 2 years.
Will I need to study additional English & Maths skills?
You may need to study an additional skills course depending on:
- the course you are taking at College
- what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language
Click below to find out what skills course you may be taking at College.
If you are studying a Workbased qualification:
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications
All other courses:
- Upskilling Destination Programme – an hour and half session a week developing essential research skills, critical thinking, and academic writing techniques, supporting literacy, numeracy, digital literacy and employability skills
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For English:
- A one or two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
For Maths:
- A one year GCSE resit course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
- A two year pre-GCSE upskilling course in required subject/s
- Essential Skills Wales (ESW) in Application of Number and Communications, for Progression pathway programmes within the Built Environment Faculty only
Learners studying on a Jobs Growth Wales (JGW+) programme will be timetabled into literacy and numeracy sessions. To discuss the opportunity of attending a GCSE resit programme, in addition to their JGW+ timetable, please contact skills@pembrokeshire.ac.uk
Can I do this course in Welsh?
Learners have the option to complete course assessment/assignments or elements of the course through the medium of Welsh or bilingually. Visit our Welsh Language in the College page to find out what else is available to you.
How will I be assessed?
- Continuous assessment during the course
- Portfolio of evidence
- Workplace evidence
- Visits from your assessor to your place of work
- Written examination
- Completion of a final major project
What can I do next?
Successful completion of this course could lead to a number of future career opportunities including: Assistant Play Worker, Childminder, Nursery Assistant, Nursery Manager, Playgroup Leader, Classroom Assistant, Out of School Care Worker, Learning Support Assistant, Special Needs Assistant, Primary School Teacher, Child Counsellor, Youth Worker.
If you are thinking about studying at degree level following this course please visit the university websites or UCAS (University Central Admissions Service) www.ucas.com to check any entry requirements.
Do I need to bring/buy any equipment?
- Textbooks - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most textbooks are available to loan from the college library or online libraries
- Specific branded clothing, payable at the start of your course
- Art materials - you will be told about any specific items during or before you start the course
- A memory stick/a small portable USB hard drive
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Are there any additional costs?
- No tuition fee
- We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2025/26
- Enhanced DBS Fee - £49.50, payable on enrolment
- Transport costs for work placement
- You may be eligible for funding. Find out more on our student finance page
Any costs above are approximate and may change.
Additional information
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Sports Academy: While on this course you may be able to join our Sports Academy, if you have a talent for sport, find out what we offer on our Sports Academy page.