Introducing the qualification
This qualification meets the needs of learners who work or want to work with children in a wide range of settings, for example in the roles of Early Years Educator Child-minder Nursery Nurse Learners will learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression in the Early Years sector.

Duration
There will be an expectation for candidates to achieve the Diploma within 18 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
Candidates will require level 2 standard in English. Candidates must be experienced practitioners, with a relevant level 2 qualification and hold an appropriate job role to collect the relevant evidence. Candidates will undertake an initial assessment to determine the appropriate level and must be in an appropriate job role to collect the relevant evidence, working for a minimum of 15 hours per week for the length of the course. Learners must working within the county of Essex.

Qualification structure
Candidates must achieve all mandatory units to demonstrate their knowledge of the subject as well as demonstrate competence in the workplace.

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