Leadership For Children's Care Learning And Development (Management) Level 5 Diploma

Overview

This course is 75% funded and 25% paid by the employer as part of the Skills Focus Programme. To qualify, your business or social enterprise must have less than 250 employees and you must be based in Northern Ireland and operate for profit.

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.

Entry Requirements

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 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.

This course is 75% funded by the Department for the Economy and 25% paid by the employer as part of the Skills Focus Programme. To qualify, your business or social enterprise must have less than 250 employees and you must be based in Northern Ireland and operate for profit.

What Will I Study?

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

How Will I Be Assessed?

Assessment will reflect a wide range of methods including

• Written assignments

• Oral questions

• Case studies

• Reflective practice

• Direct observations

Further Study

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.

Careers

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