CCLD (Children's Care Learning and Development) Level 2 Traineeship

Level 2
Traineeship
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
Lurgan Campus
CACHE

Overview

The Children’s Care, Learning and Development (CCLD) Level 2 Traineeship is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about working with children and supporting their growth, learning, and wellbeing. This programme combines classroom-based learning with valuable hands-on experience in early years and childcare settings, helping learners develop the skills, confidence, and professional behaviours needed to begin a rewarding career in the childcare sector.

It is designed to provide learners with the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for working with children from birth to 5 years 11 months, in a range of settings, including nurseries and day care.

This one year full-time programme will include the following key elements:

Knowledge based qualification (CACHE Level 2 Diploma Children's Care Learning and Development)
Vocational skills development
Transversal and digital skills
350 hours work placement, working under the supervision of highly experienced staff

This will lead to the achievement of a Traineeship certificate plus qualifications equivalent to five GCSEs including Maths and English grades A* to C.

The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 2 traineeship framework.
Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.
All applicants must be able to demonstrate at interview that they have a satisfactory level of fluency in English – both written and spoken. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English Language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Applicants must have achieved a minimum of a Level 1 qualification defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including Maths and English grades D-F or equivalent. Enhanced entry grades for maths and English apply in certain subject areas. These will be discussed with applicants following receipt of their application.
Applicants presenting with a Junior Certificate at higher level must have achieved 4 grades A-C to facilitate entry to level 2 courses. Applicants presenting with a Junior Cycle must have achieved 4 merits or above to facilitate entry to level 2 courses.
On enrolment the applicant will undertake an initial assessment which will confirm whether they should enter the full Traineeship or the Introductory Phase.
During the Pre-Entry Advice Sessions which may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) , applicants will be expected to demonstrate that they are committed and motivated to the programme.
The College may also use other evidence provided as part of the application process.
Applicants will secure and complete a work placement throughout the duration of the qualification before certification.

Please note that entrance requirements may be increased in some vocational areas.

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 Practice Policy.

A variety of units are contained within the qualification, covering areas which include:

Communication
Health and Safety
Safeguarding
Additional Needs
Play
Professional Practice
Early Years Context
Creativity
Personal Care and Nutrition

To achieve the Traineeship, successful completion of Essential Skills numeracy and literacy at level 2 is a requirement (for learners who do not have a grade C or above in GCSE English and Maths) alongside the successful achievement of knowledge and skills.

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.

Placement in a relevant early years setting is required. This requirement cannot be met by time spent with children within a learner’s family/extended family, babysitting or through other informal arrangements.

On successful completion, students may progress to the Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development or the Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning, both of which are offered at Southern Regional College.

The Children's Care Learning and Development Level 2 Traineeship provides a solid foundation for individuals seeking to pursue a career in the early childhood education and care sector. Upon completion, trainees will have acquired the foundational knowledge, practical skills, and professional values necessary to work effectively with children and contribute to their holistic development.

This qualification can lead to careers such as: