This qualification has been allocated UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for further details of the points allocation and the most up-to-date information.
About this qualification
This qualification is designed to help learners build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas working in children’s settings including early years. Learners qualified at Level 3 may work as room supervisors/team leaders or deputise for the leader working under the supervision of the manager.
The qualification confers occupational competence for child care, learning and development in Northern Ireland.
Who is it suitable for?
It is suitable for those who wish to work, or are working at an unsupervised level in children’s care, learning and development in Northern Ireland.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they’ve already achieved a Level 2 qualification.
How is this qualification structured?
To achieve this qualification learners are required to successfully complete 56 credits from 8 mandatory units and 14 credits from 14 optional units.
How is it assessed?
Internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence.
How many credits are required to complete it?
70 credits are required to complete this qualification.
Do you need to be working to take this qualification?
All learners MUST have access to either employment or work experience in a real work setting to support them to develop and practice their skills, and apply their knowledge at an appropriate level. This ensures that learners are able to demonstrate consistent competence at Level 3 to meet the requirements of the Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Care Learning and Development (Northern Ireland).
Learners must have access to between 600-700 hours in a work setting that will facilitate development of their skills and knowledge at Level 3.
What related qualifications can you progress to?
Learners who achieve this qualification could progress to:
•Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care. Learning and Development (Northern Ireland)
•Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Management) (Northern Ireland)
•Foundation Degrees in a related subject.
Career opportunities
The qualification confers occupational competence for child care, learning and development in Northern Ireland. Learners could progress to the following job roles:
•day care room supervisor
•child care assistant
•child minder
•nursery practitioner
•pre-school worker
•out of school childcare worker.
Funding for our qualifications
Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.