NCFE CACHE – Level 3 – Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)

Who is this course for?

This apprenticeship programme is designed to prepare learners with the knowlege, skills and understanding to work effectively in an early years setting and to be included in staff : child ratios. All applicants must be employed within an early years setting for a minimum of 20 hours per week and meet the criteria for the required work based observations.

What are the entry requirements for the course?

A successful interview, a written task, a satisfactory DBS/Police Check (enhanced check) and reference will need to be completed prior to enrolment on this course.

No formal qualifications are required, but candidates must be working in a day nursery or reception class on a permanent contract working with children 0-5 years for a minimum of 20 hours a week and have been doing so for 6 months prior to the start of the course, or hold a level 2 childcare qualification.

A good level of literacy and ICT is needed. All candidates will need access to a P.C or laptop.

All potential learners must be interviewed to determine suitability to be assessed in their place of work.

How long is this course?

This is a two year part time apprenticeship course with mandatory attendance one day a week during term time, 09:00 – 17:00
The next course will commence in September 2025.

What will I study on this course?

Candidates must complete 61 credits to gain the award; these credits are made up from mandatory units and a longitudinal study.

The course follows three themes and units cover a range of topics, including:

health and well-being
legislation
frameworks
professional practice
play
development and learning for school readiness
professional development
healthy lifestyles
equality and diversity
promoting play
carrying out observations

What Qualification will I gain?

Work-based assessment and a complete portfolio will gain you a NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator).

Will I go out on work experience?

All candidates must be employed on a permanent contract (minimum 20+ hours each week) in a nursery or reception class in a school.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment of competence in the workplace is necessary together with some assignment based reflection, making up a portfolio of knowledge.

You may be assessed in three age ranges: 0-1 year 11 months; 2-2 years 11 months, and 3-5 years.

What does this course lead on to?

Possible CACHE Assessor Training after experience, or possible ‘Foundation Degree in Childhood Studies’.

How much will it cost?

This course is part of the apprenticeship provision and applicants may apply for funding. For more information about how to apply, please email cache@highlands.ac.uk

How can I find out more?

For further information please contact: cache@highlands.ac.uk

Extra Info

This course will only run if there are sufficient numbers.

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Highlands Professional

ProfessionalFAQT&Cs

Highlands Professional courses offers a range of professional qualifications to enhance your career opportunities.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the entry requirements for this course?

Entry requirements differ depending on the course; you may be required to attend an interview in the first instance to assess the suitable of the qualification for your learning and requirements. Please contact the relevant department’s Course Administrator to discuss this further.

Who do I make cheques payable to?

Cheques should be made out to “Treasurer of the States”. If you are applying for more than one course, please enclose separate cheques for each. This will enable us to return fees for courses that are already full and still process other applications without delay. You may also pay by MasterCard, Visa or Maestro by filling out the required card details.

Can I pay the course fee by instalments?

In some instances an instalment plan may be possible, please discuss this with the Course Administrator.

When do courses run?

Highlands College part-time courses vary in length from evening or half-day workshops to two or three academic years. The majority of courses follow an academic timetable and may exclude half terms, bank holidays or other breaks.

What happens if the course I want is full?

Our policy is to accept applications on a first-come, first-served basis on receipt of fees. However, if a course is full a person’s name can be added to a waiting list. If the list is sufficiently large and additional tutors and facilities are available, another course may be set up and you will be contacted.

What if my course is relocated, rescheduled or cancelled?

We make every effort to avoid doing this, but occasionally it is necessary. This is why it is vitally important for us to have your current telephone numbers or e-mail address in order that we can contact you as speedily as possible. If you have a mobile telephone number, we may use a text message service to inform you of any changes to your course. Please note; our text message service is a non-reply service.

Why are some courses cancelled?

A minimum enrolment number is required to recover the full costs of providing the course. If numbers of students fail to reach this minimum, we reluctantly cancel it. We contact the applicants and provide a full refund, or offer a transfer to another course if a suitable one is available.

How will my course be assessed?

Assessment varies depending on the course; some may require formal written or practical assessment or attendance at examinations.

If I can no longer attend the class, can I get a refund?

Unfortunately we only offer a refund if your course has been cancelled by Highlands College. Circumstances such as illness, work commitments or leaving the Island are not considered for refunds. In some instances course fees may be able to be transferred to a module/unit within the same qualification. Fees or course places cannot be transferred to another person.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Application priority

Applications for Highlands Professional are accepted on a first come, first served basis on receipt of fees. If a student withdraws you may be offered a place, or if the waiting list is sufficiently large and additional tutors and facilities are available, another course may be set up, for which you will be offered a place.

Cancellations

A minimum enrolment number is required to recover the full costs of providing a course. If numbers of students fail to reach this minimum we reluctantly cancel it. Applicants are provided with a full refund or a transfer to another suitable course if one is available.

Refunds

Unfortunately we only offer a refund if a course has been cancelled by Highlands College. Circumstances such as illness, work commitments or leaving the island are not considered for refunds. In some instances course fees may be able to be transferred to a module/unit within the same qualification. Fees or course places cannot be transferred to another person.