Level 3 Children’s Play, Learning and Development

Course Overview

This course introduces study of the early years sector.  It is intended as an academic yet vocational qualification and is equivalent in size to one A-level.  It supports access to a range of higher education courses, possibly but not exclusively in the early years sector, if taken alongside further Level 3 qualifications or A-levels.

You will study:

  • Children’s development
  • Communication and numeracy
  • Play and learning

Learners can select one optional unit, which will support their progression to specialised degree programmes in the sector, and covers areas such as: physical development, care and health needs; keeping children safe; The Early Years Foundation Stage.

Learners will also need to complete 50 hours’ work experience in the sector working with children between the ages of newborn to seven years.

“Studying this course has shown me how the smallest interactions can make the biggest difference in a child’s life”

St Ivo Student

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • Five 5’s including English and 4+ in mathematics
  • Grade 5/ 5 in GCSE combined science or any two grade 5+ in triple science

Exam Board: Pearson BTec National (Extended Certificate)

Assessment

  • 50% Exam
  • 50% Internal Assessment

Choosing your post-16 options is an important decision, and St Ivo Academy Sixth Form is here to guide you. Applications are welcome from students in St Ives and beyond via the MyChoice16 platform.

Step-by-step application process

  1. Log in to your MyChoice16 account.
  2. Select ‘My Applications’. To start a new application, click ‘Start a new Application’; to continue an existing one, click ‘Continue’ next to your application.
  3. Complete all sections of your Profile Template if this is your first application. For additional applications, only ‘Course Choices’ needs to be completed.
  4. Qualifications will be uploaded by the school—this section can be skipped. Your form tutor will add a reference.
  5. Complete any remaining fields or checkboxes. Click ‘Send Application’ to submit.
  6. Your application status will update (eg. Sent, Schools Hold). The school will review your application to ensure it meets the requirements, and you may be asked to discuss it with a teacher.
  7. Monitor your application regularly and respond promptly to any notifications.
  8. All applicants will be invited to an interview before a provisional offer is made.

 

Early Years & Education

  • Nursery / Preschool Worker
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Early Years Educator
  • Childcare Manager

Health & Social Care

  • Paediatric Support Worker
  • Family Support Worker
  • Special Educational Needs (SEN) Assistant

Other Related Careers

  • Play Therapist (with further study)
  • Youth Worker
  • Education Administrator
  • Social Services Roles

Further Study

  • Foundation Degrees, HNDs, or Degrees in Early Childhood Studies, Education, or Social Work

Kelly Evans – Kelly.Evans@astreastivo.org

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