Early Childhood Education & Care HNC L4

About the course

The aim of the Higher Nationals in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the early education and care sector and adapt to a constantly changing world.

It offers an in-depth introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of specific knowledge, skills and experience thorough the education specialist pathway. The qualification provides underpinning knowledge as well as developing practical skills in preparation for work and possible study and progression to level 5 HND.

What qualification will I gain?

• Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

• When successfully completed, the Pearson Level 4 HNC in Early Childhood Education and Care in England, along with the assessed practice in work placement requirements across units, enables students without full and relevant EYE criteria to meet these requirements and be counted in qualified staff ratios at Level 3.

Why choose us

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics, professional practitioners and work-based learning tutors all with industry experience.

Popular modules

Year 1

Students will study 8 mandatory units :

• Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice

• Unit 2: Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments

• Unit 3: Play and Learning in Early Childhood

• Unit 4: Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Babies and Toddlers)

• Unit 5: Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Young Children)

• Unit 6: Promoting Healthy Living

• Unit 7: Preparing for Research

• Unit 8: Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments

Key facts

Level:

• 4

Attendance:

• Full-Time: (one day per week, plus 2 days per week for work based placement)

Assessment methods

Students will be required to complete coursework as they progress through the programme and undertake assessments at the end of each semester. The assessment of Pearson Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced and we are required to assess learners’ evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria.

All units will be individually graded as ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a pass grade for the unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications.

Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement. Students must complete and pass all taught units over the 2 year programme in order to achieve the full HND qualification.Placement Requirements

In addition to attending timetabled sessions at college; you are also required to undertake 375 hours’ work placement or experience in early education and/or care settings over the duration of Year 1 of the programme culminating in 525 hours by the end of year 2

A minimum of two different settings is required for students volunteering in early education and/or care settings. For students employed in early education and/or care settings the opportunity to spend 25 hours with a different age range will be required.

Assessment methods include practice-based observations and written assessments including reports, analytical essays, logs, presentations and seminars. All students will also complete a Practical and Reflective Evidence Portfolio (PREP) to reflect placement experience.