Childcare

The Childcare Department is now in its third year. After a successful beginning as a Level 2 course offered in the sixth form (CACHE Award/Certificate/Diploma in Child Care & Education), a new BTEC course was offered as a Year 9 option this year. Mrs Butler is Head of the department.

Students have access to new text books, IT facilities/ online resources, and equipment for practical tasks. Work based learning is part of the Childcare courses. Placements are found for the students by Mrs Butler.

KS3 Curriculum

There is no Childcare course running for Years 7 & 8.

KS4 – Curriculum.

The BTEC First Certificate and Extended Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development is offered as one of the vocational pathways for Year 9-11 students.

Students study:	Unit 1	Supporting Children's Play & Learning
			Certificate
	Unit 2	Securing a Child's Environment
		Plus
Students study:	Unit 3	Nuturing & Safeguarding Children
			Extended Certificate
	Unit 4	Child Development

A two week placement in an early years setting (nursery, preschool or primary school) is part of the full course.

Students can continue onto: the BTEC Level 2 First Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development or Health & Social Care Diploma; or the CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Child Care and Education.

KS5 – Curriculum

The CACHE Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Child Care & Education is offered to sixth form students with the appropriate qualifications. (see sixth form prospectus)

Students study: Unit 1 An introduction to working with children

The Award

Unit 2 The developing child

Plus

Unit 3 Safe, healthy & nurturing environments for children

Unit 4 Children & play The
Certificate

Unit 5 Communication & professional skills within child care & education

Plus

Unit 6 The childcare practitioner in the workplace

The Diploma

Optional unit

How long will the course take ? 1 year full time

Placements. Throughout the course students work in various placements. These will include time in a nursery or pre-school, and in a school setting – usually for 2 days per week. Mrs Butler arranges these placements.

Students continue onto: the BTEC Level 3 National Certificate or Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning & Development; CACHE Level 3 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Child Care and Education; or take a job as a nursery assistant, pre school assistant, crèche assistant, parent/toddler group assistant, toy library assistant or au pair.

Features of the department and last years results

We have excellent working relationships with our community nurseries, pre-schools & primary schools who offer work placements and support our students in their learning of professional practice.

Results for the CACHE Level 2 Award/Certificate/Diploma in Child Care & Education

The Award: All students passed. Grades gained from A-D ,

The Certificate: Students completing one placement only & those continuing onto the Diploma: All students passed. Grades gained from A-D

The Diploma: Students completing two placements and seven units. All students passed. Grades gained from A-C

Students study:	Unit 1	An introduction to working with children
			The Award
	Unit 2	The developing child
		Plus
	Unit 3	Safe, healthy & nurturing environments for children
	Unit 4	Children & play	The Certificate
	Unit 5	Communication & professional skills within child care & education
		Plus
	Unit 6	The childcare practitioner in the workplace
			The Diploma
	Optional unit