Children’s Care, Learning and Development Courses

*Applications must be made to Stranmillis directly before 31st March on year of entry.* This is a four year part-time course aimed at those interested in a career in Early Years. The theoretical training establishes and develops the skills necessary to cope with the challenges of supporting, caring for and educating young children in a professional environment. A work based element forms an integral part of the degree and graduates will be highly qualified with a sound, practical and theoretical training.

This qualification has been designed to provide an understanding of the children and young people's sector. This also gives an introduction to the practical skills and knowledge required to work in this area.

The qualification allows learners to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding about child development (0-12 years) and to develop and refine the practical and technical skills required for employment and / or career progression in the Early Year and Childcare sector, working with children from 0-5 years and 11 months. Part time option is delivered over 1.5yrs and 45 weeks.

*Application to this programme is via UCAS and is not done directly with SWC.* The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent and well qualified Early Years Practitioner. The Foundation Degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification and evidence of your ability to work in the Early Years sector. You will also have the chance to articulate to Level 2 (Semester 2, Year 2) of the part-time BA Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis and South West College, Omagh Campus. Alternatively, you may progress to the full-time BA programme offered at Stranmillis, joining in Semester 1 of year 2.

*Please read the additional information for this course carefully before applying* The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent and well qualified Early Years Practitioner. The Foundation Degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification and evidence of your ability to work in the Early Years sector. You will also have the chance to articulate to Level 2 (Semester 2, Year 2) BA Early Childhood Studies at Stranmillis and South West College, Omagh Campus.

This course will provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to pursue a rewarding career, working with children. Highly qualified and experienced staff will create exciting yet challenging learning environments to fully support learners and help them to work to their full potential. On successful completion of the programme, learners will also achieve qualified practitioner status to enable them to work with the 0-8 age group.

This qualification is designed to provide learners with underpinning knowledge and skills needed when working with children. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas in children’s settings, including early years. The qualification then builds on this knowledge and provides extended knowledge and skills to further learners understanding and provide a stepping stone into higher education. Learners will study the age range 0-12 for knowledge criteria but must have the opportunity to work with children aged 0-5 years 11 months for the competence criteria.

This Diploma is aimed at those working with children and young People from 0-19 years, concentrating on Early Years Practice. The qualification meets the minimum standards for managing Child Care settings as set out in DHSSPS Child-minding and Day Care (Children under 12). It is designed to guide and assess the development of knowledge and skills including those relating to leading teams and managing resources within children and young people’s settings.

The OCN NI Level 2 Award in Outdoor Play and Learning qualification has been designed to enable the learner to understand the value of outdoor play for children’s learning and development and be able to promote, plan and deliver effective outdoor play activities.

The OCN NI Level 3 Award in Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs is designed to provide the practitioner with the skills and knowledge required to enable them to work effectively with children and young people with special needs.

The OCN NI Level 1 Award in Working with Children and Young People with Special Needs is designed to provide the practitioner with the skills and knowledge required to enable them to work effectively with children and young people with special needs.