Learners cover 10 modules for the HNC (Higher National Certificate) and 16 modules for the HND (Higher National Diploma). Both qualifications require students to undertake at least two days a week professional practice in a relevant workplace.
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Applicants should have studied to a level 3 standard e.g. BTEC National diploma, Diploma in Childcare & Education, ‘A’ levels, AVCE & appropriate GCSEs A - C.Related Work experience.All applicants will be interviewed and will need to demonstrate the appropriate interpersonal skills required to work in an Early Years setting.
The HNC course takes two years attending college 1 day per week. Participants would be expected to complete a further 2-3 hours per week private study. Each year of the course will be sub-divided into two semesters. The conversion to HND takes one further year.
There are six core modules which are mandatory. These include:Continuing DevelopmentThis unit will focus on the professional roles and responsibilities of a range of adults working in multi-disciplinary contexts. It will consider the relation and contribution being made to the holistic needs of the individual. Learners will be visited in their settings by a course team member and reports on continuing development made. Learner will adopt a reflective and reflexive stance.Communicating, Values and Leadership in an Early Years EnvironmentThe unit aims to develop high level communication skills, knowledge and understanding in students operating as advanced practitioner working with children. Also aims to integrate concepts of the values and principles of work with children. Control to the content of this unit is the concept of leadership.Theories of Development: Birth to threeThis unit provides the learner with opportunities to develop knowledge and skills of child development essential to the advanced practitioner. Learners are encouraged to analyse and evaluate a range of observational techniques and to refine and enhance the outcome of observation.Early Years Curriculum, Play and LearningThis unit is concerned with the nature of the curriculum, the importance of play and how to provide a developmentally appropriate and play-based learning environment.Child ProtectionThis unit enables learners to gain the in-depth knowledge and understanding required to identify and respond appropriately to children suffering abuse. The learner will explore the range of responsibilities of an early years worker within child protection legislation.Professional PracticeThis mandatory unit is delivered in the first year of the programme and is supported by a minimum of 400 hours work experience. Assessment will include reports from visits to the setting by a member of the course team. This unit will provide learners with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate the practical competencies required of the professional early years work.Optional ModulesThere will be 4 further option modules to complete your HNC Advanced Practice in Work with Children and Families. The choice of modules is at the discretion of the College.A further 6 modules will be required to convert to an HND Advanced Practice in Work with Children and Families.
Assessment for both qualifications is continuous and is in the form of assignments based on the work you do both at College and within the work force.
The course aims to develop the student’s ability to work with children and families through effective use of a combination of a range of skills, theory, and techniques. HNC/HND are suitable qualifications for aspiring managers in either the private or public provision in the childcare sector or could lead to employment in related fields such as social services or with (additional training) primary teaching. Progression to degree level study is also possible and many universities offer related degrees.
