NVQ LEVEL 4 IN CHILDREN'S CARE, LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Awarded by CACHE, Edexcel, EDI and City & Guilds. The Level 4 CCLD is an NVQ for professionals working in childcare. It recognises specialist learning and helps develop the candidate's career.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Learners must be at least 18 years old and have significant experience in an early years setting or hold a relevant Level 3 qualification.
Duration: There is no set number of hours as it depends on the learner's ability to gather and log the required evidence.
Methods of study: An approved ssessor visits candidates in their workplace to assess competence, knowledge and understanding. Candidates have to submit a portfolio to show competence in all areas of the award.
Course content: There are four mandatory and five option units. Topics covered include supporting policies, procedures and practice to safeguard children and ensure their inclusion and well-being, reflecting on, reviewing and developing own practice.
Career moves: CACHE Level 4 Certificate in Managing Quality Standards in Children's Services (CMQSCS-L4) or higher level qualifications, eg foundation degree.
LEVEL 4 NVQ IN PLAYWORK
Awarded by Edexcel. This allows candidates to gain a qualification in the workplace that relates to their job area and promotes good practice.
Course provider: FE and adult education colleges.
Entry requirements: The course is for those who are managing playwork provision. Examples of job roles at Level 4 include manager of a playwork facility.
Duration: Course has no prescribed duration.
Methods of study: Work-based. Course content: Topics include work with colleagues and other partners to develop an organisational framework for play; developing, managing and reviewing operational plans for play provision; establishing and developing working relationships; and reflecting on the participant's own practice.
Career moves: This qualification is recognised as the requirement for application for registration with the Hospital Play Staff Education Trust and can lead to qualification as a hospital play specialist.
NQF LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE IN EARLY YEARS PRACTICE
Awarded by the Open University. This programme is for those who want a qualification in early years practice either in its own right or as an interim qualification towards the Foundation Degree in Early Years.
Course provider: Distance learning through the Open University.
Entry qualifications: Students should be working directly with young children in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Duration: Usually two years, part time. Candidates are required to complete the award within four years of starting it.
Methods of study: Work-based and distance learning.
Course content: The course centres on four areas: knowledge and understanding; cognitive skills; practical and professional skills; and key skills.
Career moves: The course can be seen as part of a career progression route to qualified teacher status via the registered or graduate teacher route, post-graduate certificate in education or the proposed employment-based route into teaching.
CACHE LEVEL 4 CERTIFICATE IN MANAGING QUALITY STANDARDS IN CHILDREN'S SERVICES
Provides professional development for practitioners responsible for quality assurance or those interested in progressing into this area of work. Designed in partnership with the National Day Nurseries Association.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: An appropriate Level 3 qualification. Candidates are expected to be working with young children in a paid or voluntary capacity.
Duration: 60 guided learning hours.
Methods of study: One internally and one externally assessed assignment.
Course content: Professional development in quality assurance practices. To establish, improve and maintain standards in children's services; manage the preparation required for statutory inspections; analyse training needs; and develop appropriate learning programmes.
Career moves: The CACHE NVQ CCLD4, or a management and supervisory role.
