Course Code: SC1FE458 Early Years Advanced Practitioner - Level 4 Certificate Next course dates Start dateLocationDuration 18 Sep 2024 Bispham Campus 25 Weeks Apply now Overview Is this course for me? What will I learn? How will I be assessed? Key information Where could this course take me? Course SummaryThe NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner aims to provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in the early years workforce at Level 3. This qualification will embrace the wealth of experience of the Level 3 early years workforce, and challenge learners in both their daily practice and theoretical understanding. Upon achievement of the qualification, learners will be equipped as an advanced practitioner. The advanced practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the early years workforce. The qualification covers a range of early years topics at Level 4, including enabling children to learn, working with families and other professionals and implementing change, as well as specialist areas such as physical activity and nutrition and special educational needs. Learners will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities. This qualification will not only support employment opportunities, but also the possibility of progressing on to the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner, the Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship or the Foundation Degree in Ealy Years or Early Childhood Studies. You will be assigned a subject specialist course tutor who will deliver the scheduled sessions. The tutor will also be available for weekly support and to guide you from the beginning to the completion of your qualification. You will also have an assessor assigned to support with the competence element of the qualification. The qualification is internally assessed using a range of methods including written assignments. You will also complete observations and professional discussions as part of your qualification. Expert tuition is delivered by our industry specialists on this programme, with access to continued support to assist in completing your assignments. Entry RequirementsYou must be over 19 years of age on the 31st August before the course start date. Students must have a level 3 qualification in Early Years or Childcare and must have level 2 functional skills English or equivalent. Students will be required to undertake a written task and interview to confirm their ability to study at this level for a vocational qualification. Students will need to be employed in a Level 3 role (and therefore hold a level 3 qualification) in an early years environment as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge in order to achieve this qualification. Qualification ObtainedCertificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner Industry Placement and Field TripsStudents will need to be employed in a Level 3 role (and therefore hold a level 3 qualification) in an early years environment as they need to show competence in both skills and knowledge in order to achieve this qualification. Learning and Teaching MethodsYou will study the following mandatory modules: EYAP 1 - Enabling children to learn EYAP 2 - Promoting health and well-being through physical activity and nutrition co-ordination (PANCo) in the early years EYAP 3 - Working with others to support children with additional needs, including Special Educational Needs and Disability EYAP 4 - Working with families and other professionals in early years settings EYAP 5 - Implementing change in an early years setting incorporating a small-scale research project This programme will be delivered 3 hours per week, 6pm-9pm with an additional 1 hour workshop online each week to support assessment completion. Each unit will be taught consecutively over 4 weeks with a 5th week as an in person workshop to support assessments. Although unit 5 will be introduced at the start of the programme to give sufficient time to work on the research task (total programme over 25 weeks). In addition to written evidence, there is a requirement for one observation and one professional discussion to be completed. As students will be current qualified and experienced practitioners, they will be offered the opportunity to either study remotely or face to face in a simultaneous session. This will enable those who are unable to leave their workplace to access this programme. Although there will need to be some direct delivery of some of the theoretical aspects such as legislation, most of the session will be based on relevant case studies, and real-life experiences of the students. They will be encouraged to reflect on practice and evaluate its efficacy. Assessment MethodsAll units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which will include: Direct observation by an assessor within the workplace Written assignments Professional discussion Each student must create a portfolio of evidence generated from appropriate assessment tasks, which demonstrates achievement of all the learning outcomes associated with each unit. Unit 5 requires them to carry out small scale action research and so they will need to identify an area of practice that they might want to enhance. This will be confirmed in conjunction with their manager. Other Costs and Equipment NeededStudents will need to purchase study essentials such as a notepad and stationery. It is desirable for students to have access to an electronic device (e.g. laptop) for completing their assignments, however college facilities such as the library are available for you to access computers. Tuition Fees For more information, visit our page on Fees and Finance for Adult Learners. Regulation and Accreditation Accrediting Institution: N/A Awarding Body: NCFE Terms and Conditions Read our full terms and conditions for more information. Career Options and ProgressionUpon achievement of this qualification, the student will be equipped as an Advanced Practitioner. The Advanced Practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the early years workforce. Students who achieve this qualification could progress to further study such as: Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship Foundation degree in Ealy Years or Early Childhood Studies. Students could progress to the following job roles and responsibilities: Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) Physical Activity and Nutrition Coordinator (PANCo) Internal progression at a higher level, including those with management responsibilities Leadership, mentoring, supervision and management opportunities