• Five GCSEs at grade C or above (may include one relevant equivalent) to include English Language/First Language Welsh and Mathematics/Numeracy
• 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

• 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/Numeracy at grade D or above
• Entry is subject to an enhanced DBS check

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.

• the course you are taking at College
• what grades you gained in your GCSE Maths and/or English Language

• 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

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.

• Text books - you will be told about any specific items before you start the course, most text books 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.

• No tuition fee
• We are waiving the Administration Fee for the academic year 2024/25
• There is an annual workshop fee for this course (£20 - £60), payable before you start the course
• Enhanced DBS Fee - £44, 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.