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The aim of the Higher Nationals in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers in the early education and care sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. It offers an in-depth introduction to the subject area via a mandatory core of learning, while allowing for the acquisition of specific knowledge, skills and experience thorough the education specialist pathway. The qualification provides underpinning knowledge as well as developing practical skills in preparation for work and possible study and progression to level 5 HND.
Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care
When successfully completed, the Pearson Level 4 HNC in Early Childhood Education and Care in England, along with the assessed practice in work placement requirements across units, enables students without full and relevant EYE criteria to meet these requirements and be counted in qualified staff ratios at Level 3.
HND Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5) or employment opportunities in Social and community care support roles in statutory and other community-based early education and care and children and young people’s residential care settings, Family Support Worker, Early Years Intervention Support Worker. Early years settings
Year 1
Students will study 8 mandatory units :
Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice
Unit 2: Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments
Unit 3: Play and Learning in Early Childhood
Unit 4: Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Babies and Toddlers)
Unit 5: Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Young Children)
Unit 6: Promoting Healthy Living
Unit 7: Preparing for Research
Unit 8: Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments
Level:
4
Attendance:
Full-Time: (one day per week, plus 2 days per week for work based placement)
Students will be required to complete coursework as they progress through the programme and undertake assessments at the end of each semester. The assessment of Pearson Higher National qualifications is criterion-referenced and we are required to assess learners’ evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. All units will be individually graded as ‘pass’, ‘merit’ or ‘distinction’. To achieve a pass grade for the unit learners must meet the assessment criteria set out in the specifications. Merit and distinction grades are awarded for higher-level achievement. Students must complete and pass all taught units over the 2 year programme in order to achieve the full HND qualification.Placement Requirements
In addition to attending timetabled sessions at college; you are also required to undertake 375 hours’ work placement or experience in early education and/or care settings over the duration of Year 1 of the programme culminating in 525 hours by the end of year 2
A minimum of two different settings is required for students volunteering in early education and/or care settings. For students employed in early education and/or care settings the opportunity to spend 25 hours with a different age range will be required.
Assessment methods include practice-based observations and written assessments including reports, analytical essays, logs, presentations and seminars. All students will also complete a Practical and Reflective Evidence Portfolio (PREP) to reflect placement experience.
