Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children's Care, Learning and Development (New)

This programme prepares you for work in an early years setting.



Academic Year: 2023/24

Course Code: 10969

Campus: Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards

Study Type: Full-Time

Education Level Further Education

Sessions

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Course Overview

This qualification is designed to build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children 0-12, however, workplacement will involve working with children no older than 6. All students must have attained a placement with the 0-6 age group before joining this programme.  This is a 2 year course.  

To achieve this qualification learners need to complete all mandatory units, plus optional units to ensure credits for Diploma fulfilled.

Part time Option: (One year course) The course covers units that will enable students to work unsupervised with children up to the age of 6 in various settings. Students must be working in this field for a minimum of 20 hours a week. This must be a registered setting e.g. nursery, daycare or other early years settings. Child minding is not included.   The course consists of mandatory units which are complimented by optional units. This qualification is based on the Skills for Care & Development National Occupational Standards (NOS).  The NOS assessment requirements/strategy and qualification structure(s) are owned by Skills for Care & Development and a minimum credit value of 65 credits.  Covers the age range from birth to 6 years old.  Requires the learner to spend a minimum of 600  hours in a real work environment and is suitable for different types of learners, including those in full time formal learning, those in part time formal learning and those in full time employment.  

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?  

After completing the Extended Diploma you could work as:

  • Early Years/Foundation Stage Practitioner
  • Special Educational Needs Support Worker
  • Nanny/Home-based Child Carer
  • Children’s Centre Practitioner or continue onto the FD or degree programmes in this or related areas.   

Access NI clearance will need to be processed for each student at a cost of £33

Course Modules
There will be a mix of  mandatory units and optional units which will include Communication and partnerships Safeguarding Keeping Children safe support children's personal care and nutrition Development of professional skills Optional units may include : Understand vulnerable children who experience poverty and disadvantage Support children with learning disabilities

Ideal If:
You can progress onto degree programmes such as teacher training, psychology etc

You'll Learn:
About keeping children safe, promoting healthy living, development of professional skills within children’s education. You will also learn about working with children with special needs and babies

You'll Love:
Students spend 2 days a week in placement such as schools, day nurseries and playgroups.

You'll Progress:
Successful completion of this course will allow you to apply to degree programmes or posts within day nurseries.

You'll Need:
For this 2 year Extended Diploma course (full time option) you will need to have the following: Students must have 5 GCSE's to include English and Maths at C or above. You are required to complete an Access NI clearance. You will also be required to pass initial interview assessment test. 

Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Available Sessions Summary

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Student Testimonial

Photo of Gemma Ellison
Gemma Ellison
Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children's Care, Learning and Development
I have really enjoyed my course which included 300 hours of hands-on work experience. This has proved invaluable when applying for employment involving working with children of different age groups, in both primary school and special needs settings.
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Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

Explore Further Education

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