Funding and bursaries
Students if you’re aged over 19 you may be eligible for free tuition depending on the course you want to study, your existing qualifications and your financial circumstances. For more information email info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4874.
Advanced Learner Loans are available for students who are aged 19 or over. Repayments do not begin until the course is completed and you are earning £25,000 or over. Eligible learners will be enrolling on a level 3 or above course and are a UK or EU national. For further information, visit gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan.
Entry requirements
At least four GCSEs, grade 4 (grade C) or above, including English and Maths, or a Merit or Distinction at BTEC Level 2. A placement of at least five days in a childcare setting, with a positive report of progress, is desirable. A Disclosing and Barring Service (DBS) check is also required.
What will I learn?
This diploma prepares you to work as an early years practitioner with children in a range of settings. You will:
Advance your knowledge and understanding in the area of child, health and social care
Develop a range of advanced transferable skills for the sector
Gain relevant work experience for your future progression
Work Experience
You’ll be required to undertake 350 hours of placement during the year. These are done in a variety of childcare settings, covering different age groups.
Modules
You’ll study a wide variety of topics as part of this course. Modules may include:
Child development
Meeting children’s physical development and care
Health & safety in early years settings
Keeping children safe
Working with parents and others
Play and learning
Observation assessment and planning
Reflective practice
Other units will be available.
Assessment
Written assignments and practical observation in your work placements, plus one exam and one externally assessed research task.
Enrichment Opportunities
Practical childcare activities such as learning to babysit and first aid qualifications may be available.
Career and Progression
This qualification will enable you to work as a licensed practitioner with children in nurseries, crèches, reception classes or pre-schools, or as a home-based childcare worker. With the Extended Diploma, you can progress to university to study teacher training or child development courses. .
