Level 3 Diploma for Children's Care, Learning and Development

This programme prepares you for work in an early years setting. You will be working with children up to 5 years and 11 months and successful of completion of this course will give you licence to practice.

Course Code: P10426
Campus: Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Early Years

Available Sessions

We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards.

Why Study This Course

This full time 1 year course is aimed at those students who have completed their GCSE studies and are keen to pursue a career in an early years setting. 

This course opens many options including working in daycare, as a classroom assistant.  Learners can also continue their studies to the extended diploma and on to university.

Course Overview
This qualification is designed to build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children 0-5, however, work placement will involve working with children no older than 5 years, 11 months. All students must have attained a placement with the 0-5 age group before joining this programme.  This is a 1 year course.
 

To achieve this qualification learners need to complete all mandatory units, plus optional units to ensure credits for the Diploma are fulfilled.

Part time Option: (One year course)

The course covers units that will enable students to work unsupervised with children up to the age of 6 in various settings. Students must be working in this field for a minimum of 20 hours a week. This must be a registered setting e.g. nursery, daycare or other early years settings. Child minding is not included.
 
The course consists of mandatory units which are complimented by optional units.

This qualification is based on the Skills for Care & Development National Occupational Standards (NOS).  The NOS assessment requirements/strategy and qualification structure(s) are owned by Skills for Care & Development and a minimum credit value of 65 credits.  Covers the age range from birth to 6 years old.  Requires the learner to spend a minimum of 600  hours in a real work environment and is suitable for different types of learners, including those in full time formal learning, those in part time formal learning and those in full time employment.

 

Access NI clearance will need to be processed for each student at a cost of £33

For this 1 year Diploma course (full time option) you will need to have the following:

  • 4 GCSEs at Grade C or equivalent (Including either GCSE English, Maths or Science at grade C or Essential skills grade 2)
  • or a level 2 Diploma in CCLD, or BTEC First Diploma at merit or above (including either GCSE English or Maths at grade C or Essential skills grade 2)
  • Written academic reference noting attendance levels at previous school setting
  • Students must produce evidence that the have acquired a suitable placement that meets the entry requirements prior to commencing the course
  • Students must also successfully pass the interview process

You are required to complete an Access NI clearance. You will also be required to pass initial interview assessment test. 

 There will be 8 mandatory units and three optional units which will include

  • Communication and partnerships
  • Safegurading
  • Keeping Children safe
  • support children's personal care and nutrition
  • Development of professional skills

Optional units may include :

  • Understand vulnerable children who experience poverty and disadvantage
  • Support children with learning disabilities

After completing the Diploma you could work as:

  • Early Years/Foundation Stage Practitioner
  • Special Educational Needs Support Worker
  • Nanny/Home-based Child Carer
  • Children’s Centre Practitioner

Available Sessions

We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Downpatrick, Lisburn, Newtownards.

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

Title Campus Start Spaces Apply or get more information
Level 3 Diploma for Children's Care, Learning and Development
Y10426DF1A-25/26-FT
Downpatrick
01/09/2025
 20+
More Info
Level 3 Diploma for Children's Care, Learning and Development
Y10426LF1A-25/26-FT
Lisburn
01/09/2025
 20+
More Info
Level 3 Diploma for Children's Care, Learning and Development
Y10426NF1A-25/26-FT
Newtownards
01/09/2025
 20+
More Info

Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

Customer Enquiries

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

Explore Further Education