29 Nov 2021
This qualification is being withdrawn
The operational end date (last date for new starts) of this qualification is 31/07/2021 and the certification end date is 31/07/2022.
Key Facts
Qualification purpose
Prepare for further learning or training and/or develop knowledge and/or skills in a subject area
Qualification Grading Type
Pass
Assessment Methods
Why choose this qualification?
These qualifications are intended to provide learners with a broad introduction to the childcare sector, equipping learners with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector alongside a range of transferable employability skills. They are designed to support progression to further learning and ultimately to work in childcare or other related sectors.
The Skills for Childcare qualifications form part of our Suite of Skills qualifications that cover a number of sectors and are available at Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2. The employability skills units are common across the suite, enabling easy transfer of credits between qualifications and supporting opportunities for cross-faculty working.
The qualifications have been developed with the support of a number of further education colleges, training providers and adult and community learning providers. They have been designed to be consistent with the principles for study programmes for 16-19 year olds but are also relevant, particularly in the case of the smaller qualifications, for adults including the unemployed.
Rules of Combination
Learners must complete a total of 6 credits. They must complete at least one unit from Group A (Mandatory Units), totalling a minimum of 2 credits and 4 further credits from either Group A or Group B (Optional Units).
Units
Learners must achieve at least 2 credits from this group.
Child Protection and Safeguarding Children
Context, Principles and Values for Children's and Young People's Care
Learners may complete up to 4 credits from this group.
Activities for Children and Young People
Communicating with Children or Young People
Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children's and Young People's Settings
Health and Safety in the Workplace
Team Work in Health, Social Care or Children's and Young People's Settings
Working in Children's and Young People's Settings
What is the purpose of this qualification?
This qualification is intended to provide learners with a broad introduction to the childcare sector, equipping learners with underpinning knowledge and skills specific to the sector alongside a range of transferable employability skills.
It is designed to support progression to further learning and ultimately to work in childcare or other related sectors.
What skills, knowledge, or understanding does this qualification develop?
This qualification provides an introductory set of knowledge and skills, relevant to childcare. Learners must complete one of two mandatory units:
• Context, Principles and Values for Children’s and Young People’s Care
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Children
How is this qualification different from other, similar qualifications?
This qualification is part of a suite which includes an Award, Certificate, Extended Certificate and Diploma. Learners should take the Award if they need only a small amount of focused learning in childcare before progressing to an apprenticeship, employment (with further training where possible) or to a Level 3 qualification, as illustrated in the target learner profiles provided above.
Which sector does this qualification support?
This qualification could lead to an entry-level role in childcare such as nursery assistant or play-worker.
What are the progression options?
Learners can progress to a bigger qualification at level 2 or directly to a Level 3 certificate or diploma in Childcare or to a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Childcare in any of the available pathways, as well as other level 3 qualifications such as Childcare and Education, Early Learning and Childcare, Children’s Play, Learning and Development.
Progression & entry requirements
Learners do not need any prior qualifications or a specific level of attainment to take this qualification although they will benefit from having English and maths skills at level 1. It is available to learners aged 16+, however it is anticipated that it will be of specific relevance to: • unemployed adults requiring a skill set in a specific vocational area in order to demonstrate their preparedness for employment in a childcare setting • young people on trainee-ships who are seeking a short, focused qualification in the sector in which they wish to work/gain an apprenticeship, as part of the work preparation training element of a trainee ship • learners of any age who have been disengaged with learning and need a short introduction at Level 2 before progressing straight to a larger certificate or diploma at level 3.Funding information
There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.
The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).
View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.
The following support materials will help you to deliver this qualification.
Special Considerations and Reasonable Adjustment Forms
- Indicative content is provided for units within this qualification. This can be found via the Structure and Unit Details tab, or recognised Centres can login to Prism.
Related Qualifications
- Gateway Qualifications Entry Level Award In Skills for Childcare (Entry 3)
- Gateway Qualifications Level 1 Award In Skills for Childcare
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Diploma In Skills for Childcare
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Certificate In Skills for Childcare
- Gateway Qualifications Level 2 Diploma in Childcare