Course Overview
As from 14 October 2016, learners who have achieved a qualification recognised as an alternative to Essential Skills, as detailed under the apprenticeship framework, are not required to undertake Essential Skills qualification. However, if a learner’s WEST assessment identifies that the learner has essential skills deficits which would inhibit progress through the framework, this needs to be addressed.
The professional framework in Children’s Care, Learning and Development is for people who wish to lead and manage workers with children (and their families) in settings or services where the main purpose is care, learning and development e.g. nurseries, daycare, creches, childminders and Cylchoedd Meithrin (Welsh medium nurseries).
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE ARE TWO STUDY OPTIONS WITHIN THIS COURSE - 'ADVANCED PRACTICE FOR SUPERVISORY ROLES' AND 'MANAGEMENT FOR MANAGERIAL ROLES'.
Advanced practice for supervisory roles option
It is suitable for people already working in the sector who wish to develop their knowledge and skills and become occupationally competent as advanced practitioners or leaders and managers within the sector. People undertaking this professional framework will have considerable experience (and already have a qualification at Level 3) in children’s care or early years practice. The qualification confirms occupational competence for workers who work at advanced practitioner level, or who lead or manage practice in Wales and contribute towards high quality childcare in Wales lead by people with higher level skills.
Candidates will attend college for three hours per week for underpinning knowledge sessions plus additional essential skills workshops throughout the first year.
Management for managerial roles option
This is suitable for people already in a management role working in the sector who wish to develop their knowledge and skills. People undertaking this professional framework will have considerable experience (and already have a qualification at Level 3) in children’s care or early years practice or the Advanced Practitioner Diploma at Level 5 and are now be operating in management roles. The qualification confirms occupational competence for workers who lead or manage practice in Wales and contribute towards high quality childcare in Wales lead by people with higher level skills.
Learners will attend college for three hours per week for underpinning knowledge sessions plus additional essential skills workshops throughout the first year.
Updated September 2020
Entry Requirements
For the 'advanced practice for supervisory roles' option, there are no formal entry requirements however learners will need to show evidence of ability of an appropriate level. Learners will need to have a minimum of one year post Level 3 qualification experience. Experience of working in a supervisory role will be required as candidates must show competence in both knowledge and skills.
For the 'management for managerial roles' option, the learner should be working in a management capacity and be leading practice. All Level 5 workers must have duties and functions available to them in a real work environment that meet the following descriptors. Experience of working in a management role will be required as candidates must show competence in both knowledge and skills.
Course Delivery
Qualification Structure for the 'advanced practice for supervisory roles'
The Framework is made up of the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (advanced practice) Wales and Northern Ireland.
This consists of 10 mandatory (group A) units with a total credit value of 52. It also includes a range of optional units (Group B /C). Learners will need to achieve all the mandatory units and then complete 28 credits from the choice of option units to bring the total credits achieved to a minimum of 80.
Learners will also undertake Essential Skills in Communication level 3 , Application of Number level 2 and Digital Literacy at Level 1
Competence is assessed is via assignments and assessment in the work setting
This is a 2 year course which runs for one evening per week 6pm-9pm with essential skills workshops arranged throughout the first year of the programme.
Qualification Structure for the 'management for managerial roles'
The Framework is made up of the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (management) Wales and Northern Ireland with total credits achieved to a minimum of 90.
Learners will also undertake Essential Skills in Communication Level 3, Application of Number Level 2 and Digital Literacy at Level 1.
Competence is assessed is via assignments and assessment in the work setting. Achievement at level 5 reflects the ability to identify and use relevant understanding, methods and skills to address broadly-defined, complex problems. It includes taking responsibility for planning and developing courses of action as well as exercising autonomy and judgment within broad parameters. It also reflects understanding of different perspectives, approaches or schools of thought and the reasoning behind them.
Progression Opportunities
Advanced practice for supervisory roles option
Learners can complete additional units to achieve the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Advanced Practice).
Management for managerial roles option
Learners may progress from this pathway onto further qualifications specific to their work context. A wide range of qualifications are available for use within the childcare sector. These may include specialist qualifications at any level, Higher Education Certificates or Diplomas, foundation degree or degree courses in child care, learning or development