Introducing the qualification
This qualification meets the needs of candidates who work, or want to work, in a wide range of children and young peoples settings covering the age range 0 to 7 years with applied knowledge in the early years, 0 to 5 years. Examples of roles include: Care Worker, Childminder, Nursery Nurse and Community Worker. This qualification replaces the City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young Peoples Workforce. The Qualification aims to act as a bridging qualification towards the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator. It can provide an inclusive pathway for entrants to the workforce across the childrens workforce and will enable practitioners to count in the ratio at level 2 identified in the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Duration
There will be an expectation for candidates to achieve the diploma within 12 months.

Assessment
Assessment is through submission of evidence in a portfolio to demonstrate that the requirements are met to a relevant standard. This will include observation evidence on the job.

Entry requirements
There are no formal qualification requirements. Candidates will undertake an initial assessment to determine the appropriate starting level. Candidates must be in an appropriate job role to collect the relevant evidence, working or volunteering for a minimum of 12 hours per week for the length of the course. Learners must working or volunteering within the county of Essex.

Qualification structure
Learners must achieve a total of 37 credits from all 14 mandatory units.

Delivery methods
An assessor will be assigned to support the learner through the qualification. This will involve observation of the learner in their workplace. There will also be workshops either online or at one of our ACL centres, to support the learners through the knowledge and understanding. Competence based units are assessed in the workplace, using observation, witness testimonies, work products, candidate accounts and questioning.

Cost
£2225, free to Apprentices. Payment may be made in instalments. This course may be fully funded depending on individual circumstances.

Mandatory Units
Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in Early Years Settings Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in Early Years Settings Understand how to support childrens development Support care routines for children and young people Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes Promote play in an Early Years Setting Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles Support babies and young children to be physically active Support the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disability Promote positive behaviour in Early Years Settings Partnership working in the early years Support the needs of the child in preparing for school