The qualification is practice-based, assessing learners’ knowledge and competence to practice.
It is primarily for those working, or seeking work in:
regulated childcare settings with families and children under the age of 8 years
NHS children’s services for those working with families and children aged 0-19 years
It is suitable for:
learners undertaking Level 3 roles and responsibilities
learners with Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core or Practice
those working in Flying Start/delivering the curriculum for 3 to 7-year-olds in Wales
learners with a Level 2 legacy qualification (see Qualifications Framework).
It is strongly encouraged that learners will have completed the core qualification as this will be a requirement for practice set by Social Care Wales.
At a Glance
Part Time
1 Year
Aberystwyth & Cardigan Campus
Programme Features
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.
Progression & Employment
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.
Programme Content
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
Method of Assessment
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.
Entry Requirements
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.
Additional Costs
You will need to provide your own stationery. Sufficient time must be permitted by the workplace to allow regular meetings between Assessor, learner and Manager.
Coleg Ceredigion is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales No. 08725643 and is a registered charity No. 1154557. The registered office is at Park Place, Cardigan, Ceredigion, SA43 1AB