Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core and Practice Level 3 
Overview
Our Children's Care, Play, Learning, and Development programme is designed to give you the skills and knowledge to provide holistic care, foster play-based learning, and support the healthy development of children. Whether you're an aspiring childcare professional, educator, or parent, this course offers valuable insights into creating nurturing environments that promote children's well-being and growth.
This course is available both as a part-time option and as an apprenticeship.
Key information
Learners must attend an interview with the childcare team and course offers will be subject to a short literacy screening test.
Part-time
You will be required to secure your own placement in a suitable childcare setting. You will need to complete 700 placement hours over the 18-month period.
Apprenticeship
Apprentices need to secure a school placement and you must be employed for a minimum of 16 hours per week in a suitable school with compulsory school aged children.
If you do not have the relevant qualifications in English and Mathematics (GCSE Grade C or above), you will need to study essential skills as part of your apprenticeship framework.
This course has two elements; WJEC L2 Core and L3 Practice. This will be covered over 18 months. The course is delivered through face-to-face teaching at our Tycoch Campus for one afternoon a week. You will be taught by an experienced lecturer and given access to a wide range of online learning tools to further your study in your own time.
Objectives
Students understand:
- Child development
- Holistic methods
- Play-based learning
- The Curriculum for Wales.
Outcomes
This route combines the level 2 core qualification with the level 3 practice qualification, allowing learners to become fully qualified, level 3 practitioners over 18 months. The course is suitable for those pursuing a career in early years and childcare settings such as day-care, flying start or schools.
Assessment
To achieve your core qualification, we will prepare you to pass one multiple choice assessment.
To achieve the practice qualification, you will be supported to complete a placement portfolio. This will involve you observing and planning activities for children aged 0-7 years.
All assessments are graded pass or fail.
Passing this course will provide opportunities for you to apply for:
- Further Education: Progress to a Higher Apprenticeship in Leadership for Children's Care, Learning and Development or Childhood Development Practice Foundation Degree
- Employment in a day nursery or Flying Start setting as a supervised childcare practitioner
- Employment as a teaching assistant.
You will be required to undergo DBS checks at an additional cost.
Students are assigned an assessor who will support you throughout your time on the programme. You will have access to a range of facilities and support services at the College to aid your learning experience. You will need to secure a school placement.