CHILDREN'S CARE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT Level 2 Diploma Apprenticeship

Level 2
Apprenticeship
Banbridge Campus
CACHE

Overview

Exciting new apprenticeship programme - for employed childcare practitioners in private early years settings.

This Level 2 Apprenticeship in Children's Care, Learning and Development will guide and assess development of knowledge and skills relating to children’s care, learning and development (early learning and childcare, learning development and support services). The qualification confers occupational competence for childcare, learning and development in Northern Ireland. This qualification prepares learners to work with children and young people, under supervision, in a range of settings, including nurseries and daycare. Work placement can be completed in a range of settings including nurseries and daycare.

This apprenticeship offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills development, confirms competence and is approved as a required qualification for all new early years practitioners for registration and regulatory requirements in Northern Ireland.

To be eligible to enter ApprenticeshipsNI 2021 funded Level 2 / Level 3 apprenticeship provision, a person must meet all of the following criteria:

Have attained the upper limit of Compulsory School Age:
1. You must be at least 16 years old to apply.
Be a new employee in (or about to take up) a permanent paid employment offer including a specific start date as detailed on the Delivery Agreement and confirmed by the employer. A new employee is one who has served six months or less in the job role.
Be employed by a company that has a base in Northern Ireland and is registered as an employer with HMRC and be contracted to work a minimum of 21 hours per week (which includes day release/off-the-job directed training) with one employer. Directed training must be paid as part of the apprentice’s contracted hours.
Have the potential to successfully complete all the requirements of the appropriate Level 2/Level 3 apprenticeship framework.
Meet any health requirements specific to the occupation of their choice.
Have achieved any necessary entry academic qualifications (e.g., GCSEs) determined by the relevant sector for the apprenticeship and approved by the Department.
Pass any entry tests specified by the relevant sector/employer and approved by the Department.
Applicants with a previous level 2 or 3 qualification in the same occupational area may not be eligible for participation in a similar occupational area at the same level. This will require approval by the Department.
Applicants should normally have a minimum of a full level 1 qualification (4 GCSEs at grades D-G, including English and Mathematics at grades D-F or equivalent). Applicants presenting with a Junior Cert qualification should have attained mostly higher-level subjects. Applicants presenting with a Junior Cycle must have achieved 4 merits or above to facilitate entry to level 2 courses.

Vetting Process

This course involves working with children, young people and vulnerable adults. To assess suitability to work with children, young people and vulnerable adults it is our policy to ask for a criminal record check to be carried out by AccessNI. Therefore, Southern Regional College requires checks to be completed at an ‘Enhanced’ level. Please visit our information page for further detail on the requirements and obligations for the AccessNI process.

Applicants and learners will also be subject to the Professional Suitability and Fitness to Practise Policy.

Modules include:

Context Principles and Values that Underpin Practic
Communication and Partnership Working
Safeguarding Children
Keeping Children Safe, Healthy and Well
Support Children's Personal Care and Nutrition
Supporting Children's Development
Supporting Children's Play, Learning and Development
Contribute to the Support of Children with Disabilities and/or Special Needs

As this qualification is both theory and practice led, assessment will be carried out through a range of methods including, written and practical assignments and professional discussions.

Learners must demonstrate competence in knowledge and skills in order to achieve this programme.

On successful completion, learners may progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development or the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning.