Child and Youth Support Pathway
Summary
Are you passionate about supporting children, young people, and families to overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes? The Child and Youth Support Pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College is designed for learners who want to build the knowledge, understanding, and confidence needed to begin a rewarding career in children’s care, education, or support services.
This pathway brings together two complementary Level 2 qualifications that develop your awareness of child development, wellbeing, safeguarding, and the impact of trauma on children and young people. You will gain valuable insight into how to support children, young people, and families in a range of settings, while also preparing for further study and progression into related roles.
The pathway includes:
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Technical Occupational Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People’s Workforce
This pathway is ideal for those interested in progressing into children’s services, family support, youth support, education, or early years. It also provides a strong foundation for progression to the Working in Early Years pathway and further Level 3 study at Blackpool and The Fylde College.
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
- English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.
These entry requirements ensure that learners are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Child and Youth Support Pathway is ideal for individuals who want to work with children, young people, and families in supportive roles across care, education, and community settings. It provides a strong foundation for careers in children’s services, family support, youth support, and early years, and is particularly suited to those who want to promote wellbeing, resilience, and positive outcomes for others.
As well as preparing learners to begin their journey into the sector, this pathway is also suitable for those who wish to progress to higher-level qualifications, supporting progression into more specialist or senior roles within the field.
Next steps at B&FC
Having successfully completed this pathway, learners can then continue their journey within the Working in Early Years pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College.
Early Years Educator (Working in Early Years) - Level 3.
Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the a Child and Youth Support Pathway will be well-prepared for a variety of entry-level roles in care, education, and community support settings. These roles provide valuable experience and a stepping stone into more advanced positions.
Potential job titles include:
Youth Support Worker | Residential Childcare Worker | Family Support Worker | Community Outreach Worker | Substance Misuse Support Worker | Early Years Assistant | Support Worker in Children’s Services | Peer Support Worker | Volunteer Coordinator
Key information
Fees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
The Child and Youth Support Pathway includes:
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Technical Occupational Understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences
- NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Children and Young People’s Workforce
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
To undertake this qualification, learners must be working or volunteering within an appropriate setting to be able to meet the assessment requirements of the course. This enables learners to apply their knowledge in practice and gather the evidence needed for successful completion.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, your learning is enriched through guest speakers and employer engagement events. These sessions feature professionals from youth services, social care, and health sectors who share real-world insights and offer valuable networking opportunities.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme.
The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that learners can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.
Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage learner participation and discussion.
Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where learners can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support.
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.