• No formal entry requirements
• You will be expected to be in relevant job role
• Each application is considered on individual merit
• Entry is subject to attending a course information session or informal interview
• Learners must be at least 16 years old

These qualifications provide the necessary skills and recognition for those working in Childcare settings.

Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development is for those who are working under supervision such as a nursery or playgroup assistant/practitioner, providing care that supports the physical, intellectual, language, emotional and social development of children. It is a mandatory requirement to complete two qualifications as part of this framework, the Practice qualification will assess your practical skills in the workplace and the Core qualification will assess your knowledge and may require attendance at workshops.

Qualification: Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice (8040-13) and WJEC Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core

Level 2 Playwork is suitable for individuals already working in the sector and will cover the primary aspects of working with children and young people between the ages of 4 to 16 in play environments. Providing an understanding of the importance of play and playwork in children and young people’s lives as well as essential skills in Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Welfare and reflective practice.

Qualification: City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Playwork (NVQ) (4964-02)

Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development for those who work on their own initiative, planning and organising their own work and/or supervising others, such as a nursery practitioner, playgroup leader, manager or a childminder working on their own at home; working autonomously and have some developmental or supervisory activities for other staff. It is a mandatory requirement to complete two qualifications as part of this framework, the Practice qualification will assess your practical skills in the workplace and the Core qualification will assess your knowledge and may require attendance at workshops.

Qualification: Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice (8040-15) and WJEC Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core

Level 3 Playwork is aimed at those working as a supervisor in a playwork setting or would like to take on a supervisory role – this could be in a job at an after-school club, adventure playground or play scheme. The qualification will assess competence and knowledge in playwork principles, self-directed play, safeguarding and wellbeing, supporting positive outcomes and health & safety.

Qualification: City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Playwork (NVQ) (4964-03)

Level 4 Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development is suitable for those in a management, team leader or supervisory positions who wish to lead practice and manage workers with children (and their families) in settings or services where the main purpose is care, learning and development examples: nurseries, day care, crèches, child minders and Meithrin (Welsh medium nurseries). It is a mandatory requirement to complete two qualifications to independently assess your knowledge and competence.

Qualification: City & Guilds Level 4 Professional Practice in Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development (8041-17) and City & Guilds Level 4 Preparing for Leadership and Management in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development (8041-16)

Level 5 Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development is suitable for those in a leadership or management role to develop knowledge, understanding, behaviours and skills required within the sector such as managing performance, service improvement, managing child-centred approaches in practice and work effectively and independently as critical and reflective thinkers to make informed judgements. It is a mandatory requirement to complete two qualifications to independently assess your knowledge and competence.

Qualification: City & Guilds Level 5 Leadership and Management in Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development: Practice (8041-18) and City & Guilds Level 4 Preparing for Leadership and Management in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development (8041-16)

Level 5 Playwork is suitable for senior playworker/supervisor/manager and wish to progress their career or to further develop their understanding and practice in playwork with children in order to enhance the service offered. This qualification confirms occupational competence working at advanced practitioner level and contribute towards high quality childcare in Wales.

Qualification: CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Advanced Playwork (Practitioner/Manager)

• Continuous assessment during the course
• Portfolio of evidence
• Written examination
• Online examination
• If taken as an apprenticeship then reviews with your assessor and employer will take place every 1-2 months and you will be expected to have developed your skills and knowledge between each review

You can progress onto the next level if available or continue with employment.

Upon completion of a Higher Apprenticeship (equivalent to HNC or HND), you will be invited to attend the College’s Graduation Ceremony at St Davids Cathedral.

• Stationery - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course

Any costs above are approximate and may change. For information on refunds and course cancellations please see the fee policy.