What does the qualification cover?

The content covers the age range from 0-5 years and includes the following areas:

- enabling children to learn
- promoting health and wellbeing
- special educational needs
- working with families implementing change

Learners will develop and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities.

Who is it suitable for?

Suitable for learners aged 18 and over, who are currently employed as an early years Level 3 practitioner.

It would suit learners who are looking to develop leadership and specialist skills for use in their current role, or in preparation to take on a specialist role such as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator or a Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator.

It would also suit learners who want to progress to further learning to take on a position of leadership within the setting.

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be 18+ and hold a full Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification.

How is it assessed?

Internal assessment approach: work-based portfolio of evidence arranged to reflect application of theoretical knowledge in practice with clear expectations of engagement with statutory frameworks.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

This is a work-based qualification. Learners must be employed in an Early Years setting at Level 3 to complete this qualification.

How long does it take to complete?

Learners can usually complete this qualification within a year.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Level 5 qualifications such as the Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services.

This qualification will prepare learners for study at a higher level, for example a Foundation Degree in Early Years.

Although the qualification will not be eligible for UCAS points, it could provide evidence for a personal statement to enable mature students to enter Higher Education.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) - for staff who are undertaking the responsibility of SENCO in the setting.

PANCO (Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator) - for staff who are undertaking the responsibility of PANCO in the setting

Internal progression at higher level including those with management responsibilities.

Leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities.