It is primarily designed for post-16 learners in further education who are: 

• Interested in working in a support role in the childcare sector 
• Returning to the workforce after a career break looking to refresh their knowledge and skills in the childcare sector. 

Learners who have not yet completed the level two children's care, play, learning and development: core qualifications will complete the core alongside this qualification in year one.

Visiting speakers and experts will also come to the college to speak to you about their experiences within different sectors to include statutory, voluntary and third-party services. You will also have the opportunity to partake in Welsh language and cultural experiences to enhance employability.

The CCPLD Core qualification will be delivered during year one. The CCPLD Theory and Practice qualification will be delivered over the two years.

The qualification covers the fundamental knowledge and understanding of the new All Wales Induction Framework for Early Years and Childcare and reflects a range of different roles and ages. 

Year 1 - Core Learning outcomes section Development (0-19 years of age) to include:

• Principles and Values of Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development (0-19 years of age) 
• Health, Wellbeing, Learning and Development 
• Professional Practice as an Early Years and Childcare Worker 
• Safeguarding Children 
• Health and Safety in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development

CCPLD Theory and Practice completed over two years.

By completing this qualification, learners will be able to demonstrate in practice that they: 

• Understand, and apply in practice, the principles and values which underpin children’s care, play, learning and development  
• Understand, and apply, in practice, child-centred approaches to care, play and learning 
• Can promote and support child development through their own practice 
• Can evaluate research and theories to support practice  
• Are aware of key policies within the sector and how these affect service development and delivery  
• Can work in partnership with children, their families, carers and a range of professionals 
• Can reflect on practice to continuously improve  can apply a range of problem-solving techniques  
• Can use literacy, numeracy and digital competency skills as appropriate within their role. 

Over the two years learners will have the opportunity to complete an additional qualification alongside of either:

• Playwork
• Welsh Baccalaureate

Learners can progress to foundation degrees, employment or apprenticeships.

The following job roles are areas which previous students have progressed to:

• Care worker 
• Childminder 
• Nursery practitioner 
• Pre-school worker 
• Out of school childcare worker 
• Cylch Meithrin worker 
• Teaching assistant 
• Primary school teacher - following progression to university 

One multi choice assessment in year one (externally assessed) 

Theory in year two – question paper (externally assessed) and an extended investigation (externally assessed)

Practice – A set of structured tasks (four observations and four activities/experiences) which will be used to gather assessment evidence for the majority of the mandatory content. These tasks will consist of candidates being observed planning four separate opportunities/experiences; conducting those opportunities/experiences and evaluating each of these over a 10-month period. 

A portfolio of evidence to sit alongside the structured tasks. The purpose of the portfolio is to supplement the evidence collected from the structured tasks through evidence from day-to-day practice. 

Five GCSEs at grade A*-C to include English or Welsh first language at C, and maths a minimum of an E grade.

You will also require a satisfactory DBS check and character reference.

All learners will follow a skills pathway in which they will develop their literacy (both Welsh and English) and numeracy skills for employment. 

Students who do not yet have the necessary GCSE grades at C or above will have additional teaching and support to study for either GCSE or Essential Skills qualifications depending on prior GCSE grades.

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25 prior to enrolment.

All learners are required to have a DBS check and purchase a work placement uniform.

You will need to provide your own stationery, placement uniform and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits