WHO IS THE COURSE FOR?
This course is designed for those who have limited or no experience of working in a child care setting, or who have no formal qualifications in child care and education.

LENGTH OF COURSE
Each unit will consist of 10 hours of taught lectures. Students will be expected to complete an additional 10 hours of study (including writing assignments) in their own time for each unit.
In order to complete the practical assessment students should have access to an appropriate work place either as a paid or voluntary worker. They should complete a minimum of 300 hours in an appropriate setting.



THE SYLLABUS

Unit 1 Personal development

This unit will help you to prepare you for work. This will include writing CVs, preparing for job interviews and writing letters of application. You will also learn how to work as an effective member of a team which will benefit your work experience.
This unit will teach you about:
• Anti-discriminatory practice and inclusion
• How to prepare for work including CV and letter of application
• How to work effectively with others
• Issues of confidentiality

Unit 2 Observing and working with children

This unit will teach you how to carry out observations and assessments of children and how to use these to inform your practice. You will also learn how to plan and implement activities which are age and stage appropriate taking into account the individual needs of the child
You will learn different methods of observing children and accurately recording your observations
You will learn how information about children got from observation can be used to assist in planning, assessing and monitoring children.
You will learn how to devise activities for children and how to evaluate their success in terms of appropriateness and your own performance in managing them.

Unit 3 Understanding the development of children from birth to 5 years

This unit will teach you about the normal pattern of physical, social, emotional and intellectual development from birth to 5 years and how best to support this. It will give you basic information and understanding of
• relevant theories of child development
• how knowledge of these theories can help you to understand the stages of child development and provide relevant and age appropriate activities
• Factors affecting development
• How to provide for children with special needs
• The importance of language and communication in learning

Unit 4 Providing a safe, secure and stimulating environment

This unit will help you to evaluate an environment in terms of its appropriateness and security for the children present. It will explain the importance of the environment in the provision of play and learning activities. It will help you to provide an appropriate environment and help you to understand the importance of security. It will also help you to understand how practical play activities for young children are prepared and set out. You will learn about the toys and equipment which are suitable for young children and how to ensure that children's activities are safe for them. This unit will help you to understand the importance of safety for children and encourage you to anticipate hazards and prevent accidents. It will also give you knowledge of safe and hygienic procedures.
You will learn about:
• Keeping children safe and secure
• What makes a stimulating environment
• How to carry out basic risk assessments:
• Why it is important to follow emergency procedures and report accidents appropriately

Unit 5 Supporting play and practical activities

This unit will introduce you to the importance of play in helping young children to grow and develop. You will learn about different types of play and the role of
adults in supporting and encouraging children's play. It will also help you to understand the importance of practical play activities for young children. You will learn about the importance of a structured curriculum in supporting children’s learning and development and the role of the adult.

Unit 6 Understanding and promoting good health

This unit will help you understand what is meant by a ‘healthy balanced diet’ and how it can affect a child’s growth and development. You will learn how to prepare food for children and understand why it is important to present food in an attractive way. You will also learn about major common childhood illnesses and their signs and symptoms.

ASSESSMENT

• The course will be assessed by a series of written and practical tasks. A candidate must successfully complete ALL written and practical tasks before the Diploma can be awarded.
• All candidates will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence of their practical skills competency.
• Written tasks will be set and marked internally
• Practical skills will be assessed by competent persons in the workplace *