Summary
Are you interested in working with children and young people in early years, schools or residential care settings? The Childcare Foundation Pathway is the ideal starting point.
The CHILDCARE FOUNDATION PATHWAY is designed for individuals who are new to the sector or returning to learning, providing the knowledge, confidence and skills needed to begin a career supporting children and young people.
Qualifications included in this pathway:
• NCFE L1 Award Preparing to Work in Schools
• NCFE L1 Certificate in Wellbeing
• NCFE L1 Award in Caring for Children
• NCFE L1 Diploma in Caring for Children (RPL)
• NCFE L2 Certificate in Understanding Childhood Illnesses
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 students 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 Childcare Foundation Pathway is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to begin a career working with children and young people across early years, schools or residential care settings. It is particularly suited to those seeking entry-level or voluntary roles, as well as those planning to progress into more advanced study.
Completing this pathway can lead to roles such as Nursery Assistant, Teaching Assistant Support Worker, Childcare Assistant or Family Support Worker. It also provides a strong foundation for progression onto Level 3 qualifications and further training required for roles within regulated childcare and education environments.
Next steps at B&FC
On successful completion of this qualification, learners can progress onto the following B&FC pathways:
- Child and Youth Support Pathway
- Teaching Assistant Mainstream Pathway
- SEND Teaching Assistant Pathway
Employment Opportunities
Potential jobs include:
• Nursery Assistant
• Early Years Support Worker
• Teaching Assistant Support
• Classroom Support Assistant
• Childcare Assistant
• Residential Care Support Worker
• Family Support Worker
• Playworker
• Learning Support Assistant
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 CHILDCARE FOUNDATION PATHWAY is made up of five qualifications, each designed to build your knowledge, skills and confidence in supporting children and young people across a range of settings:
• NCFE L1 Award Preparing to Work in Schools
• NCFE L1 Certificate in Wellbeing
• NCFE L1 Award in Caring for Children
• NCFE L1 Diploma in Caring for Children (RPL)
• NCFE L2 Certificate in Understanding Childhood Illnesses
Together, these qualifications will help you develop a strong understanding of child development, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, preparing you for further study or entry into roles within childcare, education or residential care.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There is no mandatory work placement required for this pathway, making it accessible to learners who may not currently be working or volunteering in a relevant setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in environments such as schools, nurseries or residential care can enhance your understanding and improve your employability.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, your learning is enriched through guest speakers and employer engagement events, featuring professionals from a range of childcare, education and care sectors. These sessions provide valuable insights into real-world practice, current challenges and career opportunities, while giving you the chance to ask questions and build your confidence.
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 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 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.