The Childcare Industry is forecast to grow over the next five years in line with rising employment, which is set to stimulate demand for childcare services.

Additionally, as more households become eligible for free childcare and tax-free childcare schemes, government expenditure within the childcare sector is expected to increase.

The entry requirements for this course are:

• GCSE Grade 3 (D) or Functional Skills Level 1 in both maths and English
• An aptitude and keenness to progress onto a T Level in Education and Childcare

All students will be required to attend an interview demonstrating their commitment to the programme, and evidencing their qualifications on entry, and sit a diagnostic test in both English and maths.

If a Grade 4 in maths and English has not been achieved, you will be learning these alongside your Transition Programme with the expectation to have achieved this by the time you progress onto the chosen T Level.

As part of this programme an enhanced DBS check will be required for placement and as an industry requirement (provided by the College).

Please ensure correct information on any convictions is recorded on your college application so we can discuss this with you.

This course consists of the following modules:

• Plan play, learning or educational activities for children and young people within a specific age range
• Prepare environments for children and young people's play, learning and educational activities
• Observe children and young people's learning and development within a specific age range
• English, maths and digital skills
• Work experience with an employer/s on an industry placement

The CACHE NCFE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is also embedded into this transition programme.

Successful completion of the programme in full will result in a licence to practice in an early years setting, as well as allowing progression onto the Education and Childcare T Level Level 3.

You will be assessed via:

• English, maths and IT diagnostic tests
• Written work (assignments)
• Observations of placement and classroom activity
• Progress monitoring reviews
• Professional discussions
• Quizes and tests

To further enhance your progression, you will actively participate in skills competitions, such as the Big Idea Challenge and Skills London.

You will have opportunities to take part in trips and visits, such as The Nursery World Conference and Award-Winning Early Years settings. You will also be invited to take part in funder-raiser events such as The Toy Library and Children in Need.

You will have access to key employers that will deliver guest lectures to build your industry knowledge and create your future.

All students must complete a minimum of 200 hours working with an employer(s) on an industry placement.

You will be assigned a workplace assessor who will support you in the placement and monitor your progress.

This course will lead to progression onto:

• Education and Childcare T Level Level 3
• Employment in the early years sector if the requirements of the CACHE NCFE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner are met

Completion of the T Level course will allow you to progress onto:

• University degree
• Higher Level Apprenticeship
• Higher National Diploma

Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. Last year 96% of learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an Apprenticeship.