Training to be an early years educator will suit students if they are caring, responsible, patient, calm, efficient, energetic, and creative. This course will equip them with the skills to ensure that they can support young children to be prepared for school. The course covers the requirements that an early years educator must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and to keep them healthy and safe
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Entry Requirements
A minimum of five GCSEs in appropriate areas at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, or a CACHE Level 2 Diploma, plus Functional Skills at Level 2. Those considering a career in primary teaching or nursing will also require at least Grade 4 in GCSE Science.
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What does the course involve?
During the two-year programme, students will learn the core knowledge and skills that are needed for entry to a range of education and early years occupations. Students will learn to provide children with a range of knowledge and skills to help them develop a foundation for good progress throughout their lives. Students will be able to support young children aged from birth to five years old in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Also included is a Level 1 Introduction to Forest School.
All students will develop an understanding of:
- An understanding of the education and early years sector from ages 0 to 19
- Child development
- How to support children and young people’s education
- Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing
- Understanding and managing behaviour
- Observing and assessing children and young people
- Equality and diversity
- Special educational needs and disability
- English as an additional language
- Working with parents, carers and wider families
- Working with agencies and services that support children, families and carers
- Reflective practice and other forms of professional development
- Paediatric First Aid
Students will spend three days a week in college and two days in either a local school (Reception class) or day care nursery setting, adding up to a minimum of 750 hours across two years.
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How is the course assessed?
Year 1 students will be assessed via the core component of one written exam and an Employer-Set Project (ESP).
Year 2 students will be assessed via an occupational specialism component through a series of synoptic assignments and assessments, structured observations and two assessments.
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Additional Notes
Our students can go into full-time employment or into higher education. Students can progress into roles such as nursery practitioner, teaching assistant, learning mentor, portage worker, playworker, and SEN teaching assistant.
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What do I do next?
You can apply online via the APPLY button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring the Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email admissions@scg.ac.uk