Free Level 3 Children's Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) Course in Newark. Classes run at Magnus Church of England Academy, full-time over two years. The course is equivalent to two A Levels and covers children's development, play and learning, keeping children safe, and the Early Years Foundation Stage. To enrol, you'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, plus a BTEC Level 2 in Child Play, Learning and Development or equivalent. This is the children's play, learning and development qualification that leads directly to nursery practitioner roles.
Who this course is for
2 Year BTEC course equivalent to 2 A Levels - course contents include Childrens' Development, Play and Learning, Keeping Children Safe and Early Years Foundation
Entry requirements
In order to study at Magnus Academy Sixth Form we have a basic entry requirement of 5 GCSEs A*-C (or equivalent i.e. grade 4 or higher in English and Mathematics). The subject specific requirements are Basic requirements including BTEC Level 2 Child Play, Learning and Development
What you will learn
You'll study how children develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally from birth to five.
You'll learn how to plan and support play-based learning activities.
You'll cover the Early Years Foundation Stage framework and how it shapes practice.
You'll understand how to keep children safe, including safeguarding responsibilities.
You'll explore how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll develop knowledge of working in partnership with parents and carers.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Magnus Church of England Academy. As a BTEC qualification, assessment is primarily through coursework and assignments rather than written exams. You'll build a portfolio of evidence across the two years. Some units may include practical tasks and observations linked to early years settings.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Magnus Church of England Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: work in a nursery or early years setting
Nursery nurse: support children's daily care and learning
Early years teaching assistant: assist in Reception or pre-school classes
Childminder: provide registered home-based childcare
Play worker: lead play sessions in after-school or holiday clubs
Room leader: take responsibility for a room in a nursery setting
What you could study next
Level 6 BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education: a degree route for those wanting to move into leadership or teaching roles in early years.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you want to train others or move into a teaching assistant role.
Early Childhood Studies degree: broader academic study of child development, policy, and practice, recognised by many universities.
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