Childhood Studies - Level 2 (Diploma)

On this course you will study a range of units including:

• Child and young person development
• Promoting positive environments for children and young people
• Early years practice
• Promoting children's positive behaviour
• 250 hours work placement in an OFSTED registered provider

There are also optional units, which could include:

• Health and safety
• Safeguarding
• Supporting language and literacy development
• Making healthy food choices for children
• Working in the Early Years sector
• Communication
• Personal development in heath, childcare and social care settings

You will need:

• 4 or more GCSEs at grade 3 or above, which must include both English Language and maths. Ideally students will have at least one out of English and maths at Grade 4 or above.
• An enhanced DBS check

Or (for internal applicants only):

• A relevant Level 1 qualification, such as the Level 1 Diploma Introduction to Health, Social Care, Children's and Young People's Settings and satisfactory progress in your English Language and maths last year
• An enhanced DBS check

You will be invited to an information session to help us ensure the course is right for you

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

02/09/2024

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

What can I do after this course at CWA?

The College of West Anglia offers many opportunities to continue studying from entry level through to degrees at University Centre West Anglia. Some of the courses available for those who have successfully completed this course include:

• Childcare T-Level - Level 3 (Wisbech)
• Childcare T-Level - Level 3 (King's Lynn)
• Supporting Teaching and Learning - Level 2 (King's Lynn)
• Health and Social Care - Level 2 (King's Lynn)

To progress onto T-Levels you will need GCSE grade 4 in English Language

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

What qualification will I achieve?

CACHE Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Level 2)

Students aged 16 to 18 who do not already have GCSE qualifications in English and/or maths at grades 4 - 9 will take qualifications in English and/or maths as part of their vocational study programme - this is a government requirement.

How is my course assessed?

The course is assessed by a range of methods, which may include projects, booklets, posters, assignments, case studies and coursework. There are also two exams.

Learners must also complete a work placement as laid down in the course specification criteria.

Each unit will be graded Pass/Merit/Distinction.