CACHE Level 2 Diploma Childcare and Education - SCC92F0
CACHE Level 2 Diploma in
Child Care and Education
Course Code: SCC92F0
Is this the right course for me?
The Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education (CACHE) Level 2 Diploma in Child Care and Education is designed to provide you with the basic skills, knowledge and understanding of the range of professions within the area of childcare. You will learn how children develop, how to plan activities to help children learn and how to work as part of a team.
All students will undertake a minimum of two work placements where your competency in working under supervision will be assessed. You must have the ability to complete all aspects of the work placement assessment to enroll on this course. You must pass all aspects of the work placement to pass the course and to achieve the full qualification.
What do I need to join the course?
- Four GCSEs at grade D or above, including English language OR
- Level 1 qualification in relevant subject such as Foundation Award in Caring for Children (normally, with a pass profile) and achievement of Key Skills Communication and Application of Number at level 1
- Two appropriate references (standard reference form will be issued to the students by the college) including a character reference and a reference related to work experience undertaken within this vocational area. For progressing students, a character reference must come from a current personal tutor/course leader and a second reference from a supervisor on final placement of current course
- Satisfactory interview with course tutor
- Final acceptance onto the course is subject to satisfactory Occupational Health Assessment and Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure
What does the course involve?
You will study the following units which will equip you to be aware of the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development and the needs of young children and to develop the skills and competences needed to work in a supervised capacity with children and their families.
Unit 1 An introduction to working with children
Unit 2 The developing child
Unit 3 Safe, healthy and nurturing environment for children
Unit 4 Children and play
Unit 5 Communication and professional skills within child care and education
Unit 6 The child care practitioner in the work place
Unit 7 - 11 An optional unit from a given choice
In addition to these units, students may complete Key Skills in Communication, IT and Application of Number.
Unit 6 is the work placement element which is a mandatory part of the course and all students are expected to complete the practical experience requirements as specified by CACHE, the awarding body. Placements are organised by our Placement Co-ordinators but students must make their own transport arrangements. In applying for this course students should consider the added cost of travelling to and from their placement. All efforts will be made to place students within a reasonable distance from home: sometimes this may involve travelling some distance and a number of bus journeys.
Can I take any additional qualifications?
In addition to your main qualification, you may have the opportunity to achieve additional qualifications by undertaking short courses such as Paediatric First Aid.
How will I be assessed?
Suffolk New College offers a flexible approach to assessment whilst maintaining rigorous standards.
Units 1, 2, 4 and 5 and the optional unit are each assessed through an assignment set by CACHE and marked by your tutors. Unit 3 is assessed using a multiple choice question paper, which is externally assessed.
In addition, you will be assessed in your work placements and will need to demonstrate satisfactory performance across a range of course-based competencies. The assessment is on a continuous basis with evidence being provided to meet the performance criteria outlined by CACHE.
When does term start?
Week commencing Monday 6th September 2010.
How many hours per week do I have to attend College for?
This is a full time course. Three days per week are generally spent studying in College with two days per week in practical placements. Students can expect to spend up to 10 hours outside of college time completing course work.
What can I do when I complete the course?
Normally students who achieve a 'C' grade profile in the full diploma at the end of the course and who gain Key Skills Communication and Application of Number at level 2 or above are eligible to progress onto the next level of study. This could include the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or other level 2 or level 3 provisions. This course qualifies students to work in a supervised capacity with children and their families in a variety of settings and environments within the sector of children's services.
What are the costs? (This information is subject to change)
Tuition Costs: No tuition fees are payable, however, those aged 19 and over at 31 August 2010 will pay a £1200 fee inclusive of external and internal registration fees.
Will I have to pay any additional costs?
Criminal Records Bureau - all students are required to have an enhanced disclosure check prior to commencing placements. You are required to pay the fee, which is currently £36.00 (subject to change). Suffolk New College will process the application after you have been offered a place on the course.
There will be a charge of £30 for resources which includes the core text book (which we obtain at a discounted rate). Students may be asked to contribute to visits and additional qualifications.
What Support is Available for me?
People on means tested benefits should seek advice from Admissions or The Link - Student Support. Financial assistance may be available from the Learner Support Fund to help with essential items needed to support learning, e.g. text books.
Education Maintenance Allowance is a weekly payment of £10, £20 or £30 a week to support young people aged 16, 17 and 18 while in full time education. Further information and how to apply may be found on the EMA website at http//ema.direct.gov.uk or by calling the helpline on 0800 121 8989. You should also be able to get an application form from your school, Connexions or by contacting the Information Team.
Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is a weekly payment of up to £30 to support adults aged 19 or over whilst in full-time education. Further information and details of how you can apply can be found on the ALG website at: www.direct.gov.uk/alg or by calling the learndirect advice line on 0800 100 900. Application packs are also available from the College.
Suffolk New College has a range of support services available for learners with learning difficulties and/or physical difficulties/disabilities. Further information is available on the College website: www.suffolk.ac.uk or by contacting The Link - Student Support on (01473) 382800 who will arrange an appointment for you with a specialist adviser.
How do I apply?
Complete a College application form, which is available in the Suffolk New College Prospectus, from the College Website: www.suffolk.ac.uk or by contacting the Information Team on (01473) 382211. The form can also be downloaded in PDF version and sent to feadmissions@suffolk.ac.uk
Following acknowledgement of your application you will be invited to attend a programme guidance session when you will be able to find out more about the course and to discuss any support needs you may have. An offer may be made which would be subject to you achieving all of the entry requirements.
Should you require this Course Information Sheet in a different format, for example in a larger font or electronically, please contact the Information Team on (01473) 382211. They will be happy to help.
This Information Sheet is for promotional purposes only and is not intended to form part of the agreement between the College and students. The information contained within this Information Sheet is correct at 30 October 2009.