LEADERSHIP FOR CHILDREN'S CARE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT (MANAGEMENT) Level 5 Diploma

Level 5
Higher Education
Newry Campus
CACHE

Overview

This is a nationally recognised qualification gained in the workplace. It is based on National Occupational Standards, which are standards written by employers and experts in the early years sector. This course aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to manage practice and lead others. This course is for senior practitioners in a leadership and management role who work within early years and childcare settings including day nurseries, crèches, playgroups and after school settings.

This course has been developed in response to government plans to produce a more professional leader and manager in early years. The DHSSPS Minimum Standards for Childminding and Daycare for children under age 12 states; ‘in pre-school sessional care or crèches, the person in charge and deputy should have at least a qualification at QCF Level 5 Diploma in Child Care, Learning and Development’ (July 2012).

This course is delivered 3 hours per week over a 2 year period. Students will be expected to engage in independent study to achieve the knowledge criteria in all units. Minimum guided learning hours are 577. Lecturers involved in delivering the programme have relevant experience in this area as well as continued professional development.

The over-riding consideration in admitting applicants to the course, is evidence that the learner or apprentice is likely to be able to complete the course satisfactorily.

Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft Teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course.

Applicants must have attained a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or equivalent
Applicants must currently be employed as a manager or assistant manager in an early years setting
An interview will play an integral role in the issue of an offer to this programme

The College’s Admissions Policy reflects the expectations of the UK Quality Code May 2023. Please note that applicants progressing to higher education courses at Level 4 and above in the College or UK Universities may require a specific GCSE/A-Level profile. In some cases, the Essential Skills in Literacy and Numeracy may not be a suitable alternative to a GCSE. The list of acceptable qualifications for equivalency to English and mathematics for Ulster University is available from the following link: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements#eng. It is the responsibility of the applicant to check each University’s progression requirements before enrolling on a course at the College.

The entrance criteria above may change subject to awarding body regulations. The College reserves the right to enhance the entrance requirements where demand exceeds the number of available places. In addition, where places remain available the College reserves the right to offer places to candidates with a profile less than that listed above.

Applicants who do not meet the criteria outlined above but have evidence of substantial knowledge or relevant industrial experience and skills, which has not been formally assessed, should refer to the College’s Accreditation of Prior Experience and Learning (APEL) Procedure.

For further detail on our entry requirements please review our Admissions Policy & Criteria.

Year 1 modules include:

Induction/Study Skills
Support Children’s Care, Learning and Development in the Early Years
Understand Children and Young Person’s Development
Lead Practice that Supports Positive Outcomes
Use and Develop Systems that Promote Communication
Champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Explore Models of Disability
Professional Practice in Children’s Care, Learning and Development
Promote Professional Development
Work in Partnership in Children

Year 2 modules include:

Develop and Implement Policies and Procedures to Support Safeguarding
Develop Health, Safety and Risk Management Policies, Procedures and Practices
Develop Professional Supervision Practice in Children and Young People’s Settings
Lead and Manage a Team within a Children and Young People’s Setting
Recruitment and Selection Within Children and Young People’s Settings
Manage Induction in Children and Young People’s Settings
Appraise Staff Performance
Manage Physical Resources
Develop the Environment for Children and Young People
Young People's Settings
Manage Quality in Children

Assessment will reflect a wide range of methods including

Written assignments
Oral questions
Case studies
Reflective practice
Direct observations

Where the exam/awarding body fee is listed as TBC in the full fee breakdown, the information has not yet been released by our partner awarding bodies for 25/26. This fee will be updated as soon as it becomes available.

Fees displayed for each course represent fees to be charged for year 1 of each programme. Please note that fees may increase in year 2 or 3 of the course. Read more in our Fees Policy at https://www.src.ac.uk/about-us...

On successful completion of this course learners may progress to the Level 7 Award in Strategic Management and Leadership or BA (Hons) Degree in Early Childhood Studies.

This course will also enhance the learners professional development in line with the minimum standards for childminding and day-care for children under age 12.