Entry Requirements
An initial assessment will evaluate your Maths, English, and Digital Skills. You must be working at Level 1 or above in Maths and English and have the digital skills to access the course online. Support will be available for progressing in these skills if needed. After the initial assessment, there will be a short interview to discuss your prior skills and knowledge, plans for progression and your suitability for the Skills Bootcamps. An enhanced DBS certificate is required for this course. If you don’t have one, ACL will assist you in applying. DBS applications need to be submitted within 14 days of starting the course.

Qualification Aim/Level
This intermediate-level course awards a Certificate of Attendance, in addition to this learners will also gain L2 Food Safety and Introduction to Makaton certificates. Learners will be supported to secure interviews with employers or progress to an accelerated L3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship.

Assessment Methods
Questioning during learning sessions Quizzes Observations Online assessments Portfolio of learning Work based project and presentation.

Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for individuals currently working or seeking employment in Early Years Education who want to enhance their skills and knowledge of working with young children aged 0-5.

What can I expect to learn?
On this Skills Bootcamp you will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in a range of areas within Early Years Education, including child development, supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities, the value of play and communication skills. You will also gain knowledge on safeguarding children, planning for and identifying risks and working in line with Ofsted requirements and the Early Years Framework. You will gain valuable skills and knowledge for working in the sector and you will be signposted to any areas of additional learning identified in your individual learning plans. Employability skills will be delivered throughout the programme, starting from induction and continuing through to course completion. You will receive post-course support into your chosen progression path. Woven into each session will be interview techniques, professional behaviours and resilience and confidence building support. Additionally, online learning will develop CV writing and employability skills.

How will I learn?
The course consists of 60 hours of guided learning over 12 weeks (5 hours/week) delivered via MS Teams or in-person, plus 25 hours of independent online learning. 1:1 sessions with tutors will review progress and set SMART targets.

How will I know how well I am doing?
Your tutor will assess your participation, provide feedback, and track your development through a learning log. They will recommend areas for improvement to benefit you and prospective employers.

How much work will there be?
You’ll complete 60 hours of guided learning and 25 hours of independent study. Revisiting class notes and additional learning in key areas is recommended.

What will I need for the course?
Learners will need access to a laptop/PC with MS Office software. A webcam will be required and headset with a microphone to enable you to participate with online aspects of the course. If you do not have access to this equipment, please contact us to discuss.

What can I do next?
Upon completion of this Skills Bootcamp, learners could consider progressing onto the accelerated L3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship at ACL. Completing the Early Years Skills Bootcamp allows an accelerated route to complete the L3 Apprenticeship. Our tutors and Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Officers are available to provide further guidance and advice with your course progression plans or to support you with your employment plans.

Further Information
For all enquiries regarding this course please contact: skillsbootcamps@essex.gov.uk.