Summary

Please note this is a work based qualification for those aged 19 or over as of 31st August 2024 and will require you to be working in the sector to be able to progress to enrolment.

We do also welcome applications from those not yet in that position so you can have a telephone conversation with a qualified assessor so we can discuss your next steps.

If you're interested in working with babies, toddlers, and small children up to 7 years of age, then this course could be for you! Our Early Years Practitioner course is ideal for candidates currently in or moving into, an Early Years setting.

Wondering what will be involved if you choose to study this course? You will learn and need to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of early years education and care, including:

• Supporting and promoting children’s early education and development
• Planning and providing effective care and learning that enables children to progress and prepares them for School
• Making accurate and productive use of assessment
• Developing effective and informed practice
• Safeguarding and promoting the health, safety and well-being of children
• Working in partnership with the key person, colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals

You will achieve this by accruing 64 credits from a list of mandatory units entitled:

• Developing effective study skills
• Promoting partnership working with parents
• Modelling, promoting and supporting positive behaviour with children
• Principles of safeguarding policies and procedures in early years settings
• Promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in the early years sector
• Working in partnership with colleagues and other professionals in early years settings
• Planning and implementing activities, play opportunities and educational programmes in an early years setting
• Promoting children’s health and welfare in an early years setting
• Promoting the health and safety of children
• Promoting children’s speech, language and communication development
• Supporting organisational requirements for recording, storing and disclosing information and providing reports in an early years setting
• Supporting children’s creative and imaginative play and experiences
• Supporting children experiencing transitions and significant events in the early years sector
• Continuous professional development using reflective practice in the early years sector
• Child development from conception to 7 years
• Observation and assessment in the early years sector

How will I learn?

You will be required to complete a portfolio of evidence and will be assigned an experienced, qualified assessor who will assess your competency in the real work environment, together with your knowledge and understanding, using methods such as direct observation, oral and written questions and case studies. There are also four assignments of which one is graded.

If you have not already achieved your English GCSE at grade C/4 or functional skill at Level 2 you will be required to achieve your level 2 alongside your Diploma. This is because Ofsted will require evidence of both the Diploma and the English together to enable you to be counted in ratios when you have qualified. This can be arranged through SGS College as in person or in some cases online classes.

Entry Requirements

To enrol onto this course, you will need to be working in an early years setting for at least 16 hours a week, as you will need to demonstrate competence in both knowledge and skills. In some instances, you may be accepted onto the course if you are volunteering or undertaking a work placement role and this can be discussed and agreed on an individual basis prior to application.

Progression routes

Additional Information

For further information, please email us at [email protected] or call us at 07775 998546 during office hours.

Online enrolment

This course offers simpler and safer online enrolment requests, which means in a matter of minutes you can submit an enrolment request to us. However please be aware that upon submitting your enrolment form you are not guaranteed to be accepted. A number of our courses require assessments, qualification checks or simply a conversation with you before we can confirm your enrolment.

Within 24 hours of enrolment submission you will receive an automated email notification with information on what happens next. Please add to your safe sender list. Most email providers allow you to do this within settings/options. For full instructions simply use your chosen search engine to find instructions on how to mark emails as safe.