Apprenticeship - Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development - Level 3

This is a full-time qualification which is workshop and practice-based. Completion of a minimum 720 placement hours will be required.

The qualification will cover the core knowledge and understanding required to work within the children's care, play, learning and development sectors. By studying this qualification, learners will: 

• Develop their knowledge and understanding of the core principles and values which underpin children's care, play, learning and development practice.
• Understand how legislation, national policies, guidance and frameworks support children’s care, play, learning and development.
• Appreciate factors that impact upon the health, well-being, learning and development of children. 
• Consider the roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of early years and childcare workers and understand the purpose of legislation, national policies, procedures and codes of conduct and practice in relation to the safeguarding of children.
• All learners will be supported by a training adviser/assessor who will monitor progress towards achieving targets on a regular basis. 
• The training adviser/assessor will liaise closely with the employer to ensure that qualifications are achieved within the timescale. 
• The assessor will assess the learner in the workplace as and when required. 

This qualification will allow learners to progress into employment within a level three role or progress to further learning via the following consortium* qualifications: 

Diploma in Playwork (Level 3)

Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development with specialism (Level 4)

Leadership and Management (Level 4)

The core element will be assessed through a series of internally assessed tasks which can be taken throughout the qualification or at its end. There will also be one externally marked multiple choice question paper. 

The practice element will be assessed using a portfolio of evidence that includes observation of practice.

All applicants will need a positive reference. Suitability for this course will be assessed at interview. 

Learners must be employed with the childcare sector and have a permanent contract for a minimum of 16 hours a week.