This qualification develops practitioners currently at level 3 to Advanced Practitioner and provides a foundation for progressing into management. Learners wishing to move onto degree level will also benefit from it’s introduction to in-depth research, assignments and report writing.

The entry requirements for this qualification are that candidates hold a ‘full and relevant’ level 3 in Childcare and have a good standard of literacy and numeracy. Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement as they need to show competence in both knowledge and skills.

Course Content

All learners need to complete the 8 mandatory units. There are 4 optional units, one of which must be chosen.   Total qualification hours: 600

Mandatory units

Unit 4.1 – Study skills
Unit 4.2 – Legal requirements/Legislation in childcare
Unit 4.3 – Understanding child development and how children learn
Unit 4.4 – Support programmes that promote children’s development
Unit 4.5 – Longitudinal studies
Unit 4.6 – Leadership, management and supervision
Unit 4.7- Working in partnership
Unit 4.8 – Reflecting, reviewing and evaluating own practise

Optional units
Unit 9 – Working with babies 0-18 months
Unit 10 – Play for out of school/holiday provision
Unit 11 – Care of two year olds
Unit 12 – Carrying out a research project

Assessment

Training is delivered online and in the workplace.   Learners will be supported and assessed through one to one support by a qualified and experienced tutor. The tutor will arrange monthly teaching sessions and will be available for support via telephone and email between visits.  You will have access to an online portfolio and learning resources.

The tutor will arrange monthly teaching sessions and will be available for support via telephone and email between visits.  You will have access to an online portfolio and learning resources.

Assessment methods will include observations, professional discussions, assignments and work products relating to the workplace.

Progression

Learners who successfully achieve this level 4 qualification may go on to study at level 5 or undertake a foundation degree in childcare studies.