Childcare & Education

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM HILLVIEW SCHOOL FOR GIRLS FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 APPLICATIONS*

Applications Open: 1 November 2023

Applications Close: 5 January 2024

Entry Requirements: Minimum entry requirements are 5 GCSE's at Grade 4 or above, which MUST include English Language and Mathematics, plus any additional individual subject requirements.

How to Apply: Applications are only accepted via KentChoices.

The Extended Certificate is for students who are interested in learning about the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years) alongside other fields of study, with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in early years-related subjects. This course presents a broad basis of study of the early years sector.

Students will gain knowledge, understanding and skills across a range of key subject areas: the stages and sequences of child development and key skills, Play and Learning, as well as understanding the role of the early years practitioner in supporting and caring for children.

It is also a requirement to complete work experience over the 2 years in setting with children from birth to 7 years 11 months, where there will be an opportunity to practically apply theories learned. This will also support a deeper understanding of the synoptic Unit 4.

Learners will study 4 unit over the 2 years. All units are weighted the same: 25% of the total grade. External assessment 50%; Coursework 50%

Mandatory Units

Unit 1: Children’s development (external exam) Children’s Developmental progress from birth up to eight years, including the theories, principles and factors relating to development, and the potential impact of a range of factors on a child’s progress through the developmental milestones.

Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe (external exam) Health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities of an individual working in an early years setting; emergency best practices and when to address concerns about a child’s welfare.

Unit 3: Play and Learning (coursework) The concept of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and the benefits of play and learning activities for children.

Unit 4: Research and Reflective Practice (coursework) The influence of research findings on policy and provision for children and how this influences the behaviours and expectations of an individual working in an early years setting

General entry minimum requirements to study three Level 3 qualifications for Hillview Sixth Form are Grade 4 in both English Language and Maths together with 3 other GCSE grades at Grade 4 or above.

Any students meeting the above criteria is eligible for this course.

This qualification is designed to support progression to higher education, such as University or a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Early Years to become a fully qualified Early Years Practitioner, when taken as part of a programme of study. It may also lead to a wide range of supervised job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors e.g. practitioner in day nurseries, practitioner in nursery schools, or a pre-school worker.