This qualification is practice-based and assesses learners’ knowledge and practice. It is designed for learners in work based learning.

This is a flexible course, designed to suit learners who prefer to continue working alongside the qualification.

Completion of this qualification enables learners to work as a qualified Level 3 childcare worker unsupervised and, in many work settings, in a leadership role.

The qualification prepares learners to progress to:

• Level 4 Professional Practice Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development
• Level 4 Preparing for Leadership and Management in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development.

Learners may also want to progress to:

• Level 3 Health and Social Care: Practice (Children and Young People)
• Advanced GCE/Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Health and Social Care

Learners must meet additional age and experience related requirements for some leadership roles in this sector.

The qualification will assess learners’ knowledge and practice as they demonstrate that they:

• understand, and apply in practice, the underpinning principles and values
• understand, and apply, in practice, child-centred approaches
• promote and support child development
• are aware of key policies and how these affect service development and delivery
• work in partnership with children, their families, carers, other professionals
• reflect on practice to continuously improve
• apply a range of problem solving techniques
• use literacy, numeracy and digital competency skills as appropriate

The Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: practice qualification is assessed through a combination of internal and external assessment. Learners must successfully complete:

• an externally set, internally marked set of tasks
• a portfolio of evidence
• a professional discussion.

You will be required to undertake a successful interview and be formally assessed using the WEST toolkit.

You will also require a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.