Course - CACHE Diploma in Child Care and Education (DCE) Year 107/08
Entry requirementsWhat background and qualifications do you need to join? Experience of working with children is essential. Four GCSEs (at grade C or above) or the equivalent level of education would be an advantage. You will need to be fluent in written and spoken English and have a reasonable level of numeracy. You will be invited to an assessment to determine the exact level of course that is most suitable for you, when we have received your application form. You will then be an interview with a course tutor. Please be aware that all those working with children are required to have an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check, this will be arranged by the college.
Academic titleCACHE Diploma in Child Care and Education (DCE) Year 107/08
Course descriptionCourse Description
This course will help you gain employment as a supervisor in a child care setting. It is equivalent to 3 A levels and carries UCAS points. You will also achieve Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and Information Technology
What does the course lead to?
This course is equivalent to 3 A levels and carries UCAS tariff points. It is a qualification that will help you gain employment caring for children under 16. Students have gone on to work in child care and education in nursery schools, nursery classes, day nurseries and as nannies; or in health as Heath Visitor assistants, Hospital Play workers or on the maternity unit. Some nursery nurses work in the community in Children’s centres. Some students choose to progress on to university to study a relevant degree such as education, nursing, midwifery, psychology or social work. You may also choose to progress on to the Foundation degree in Early Years following at least 1 years work experience as a qualified nursery nurse.
What does the course involve?
You will study units in health, education and the social aspects of childcare including topics such as play, language development and child protection, plus music, drama and creative arts. You will also complete a First Aid at Work qualification, a Level 2 Award in Food Safety and Catering, and a Makaton course as wells as Key Skills in Communication, Application of Number and Information technology. Assessment for the course is through written assessment tasks, a multiple choice question paper and portfolio building assignments. You will also be assessed on your practical work in placement. Teaching methods include practical experience, lectures, group work, tutorials, discussions, visits to places of interest and visiting speakers. You will be expected to be in a variety of work placements in a childcare setting for two days each week, working with children from birth to 16 years. We will help you find these placements. You can study individual units to build up your qualification.
What are the facilities and equipment like?
College Services
Skills Centres, with plenty of visual research material, including books, slides, journals, CD ROMS and Internet access are available for your use. Trained staff are able to help you with careers and educational guidance (including help with applications to university). Additional help with English and Maths is available if you need extra tuition in these subjects and a counselling service is provided for students needing personal support. We have a day nursery on site at Wornington Road for 2-5 year-olds
How is the course assessed?
Assessment for the course is through written assignments, and a final end test of your college work. In addition you will learn how to observe children and plan activities for them, and this work will form part of your final portfolio. You will also be assessed on your practical work in placement.