Free Level 3 The Children and Young People's Workforce Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working in a children or young people's setting, building skills and taking on more responsibility as you go. The course typically takes 12 months. You'll need to be aged 19 or over, live in the DL or TS postcode area (or within commuting distance of Darlington), and hold at least a Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification or GCSE English grade 4. A full enhanced DBS check and references are required.
Who this course is for
This course is for those who are looking to work with children and young people, for anyone who works or wants to work at a supervisory level in the children and young people’s workforce. For those that are not yet employed in the sector, you will gain valuable knowledge needed for the role. For those already employed in the sector you will further develop your skills and knowledge and take on additional responsibilities.
Entry requirements
You must be aged 19+, reside in the Darlington or Teesside postcode areas (DL / TS), or within commuting distance of Darlington, have the right to live and work in the UK and lived in the UK or EU continuously for the previous three years before the start of learning. You must complete a full enhanced DBS and references. You must have, or are working towards, at least a Functional Skills English Level 2 qualification or GCSE English grade 4 (old grade C).
What you will learn
You'll develop your understanding of child and young person development across different age ranges.
You'll learn how to support the safeguarding and welfare of children and young people.
You'll build skills in communication and professional practice within a workforce setting.
You'll explore how to support children and young people with additional needs.
You'll develop knowledge of health, safety, and well-being in a children's or young people's environment.
You'll learn how to work at a supervisory level, including supporting colleagues and taking on wider responsibilities.
How you will learn
This is a work-based qualification, so your learning takes place in your job role. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your day-to-day practice. Assessment includes observations in the workplace, professional discussions, and written assignments. You'll be supported by an assessor who will visit you at work and review your progress throughout the 12 months.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Learning & Skills Darlington will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Youth support worker: supporting young people in community or residential settings
Children's residential support worker: caring for young people in residential care
Nursery room leader: leading a room team in an early years setting
Teaching assistant: supporting children's learning in a school environment
Family support worker: working with families and children in the community
Play worker: planning and delivering play activities for children
Early years practitioner: working in a nursery, pre-school, or childminding setting
What you could study next
Level 4 Certificate in Leading and Managing Children's Services: a step toward management roles in children's and young people's services.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you want to move into a training or mentoring role within the sector.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services: for those aiming at senior or management positions in children's services.
