Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care

The Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care is an excellent choice for those aspiring to make a positive impact on young children’s lives. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, preparing students for a variety of roles in early childhood education. With a focus on child development, safeguarding and professional practice, the course equips students with the expertise needed to excel in educational settings enabling them to achieve “full and relevant” status.

Unit 1: Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice.

Unit 2: Protecting Children in Early Childhood education and Care Environments.

Unit 3: Play and Learning in Early Childhood.

Unit 4: Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Babies and Toddlers).

Unit 5: Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Young Children).

Unit 6: Promoting Healthy Living.

Unit 7: Preparing for Research (Pearson-set Project).

Unit 8: Promoting inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care Environments.

Students will be assessed through a variety of methods to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of their skills and knowledge. These methods include writing essays and reports to demonstrate their understanding and analytical abilities, creating posters and leaflets to showcase their ability to convey information visually and concisely, and participating in professional discussions to assess their verbal communication and critical thinking skills. Additionally, students will deliver presentations to evaluate their ability to present information clearly and effectively to an audience of their peers and assessors.

Full-time students should apply via UCAS Apply, using the UCAS code: CECC

Click here to watch a video on how to use UCAS Apply

Should any applicants have questions or queries, please contact the Student HUB for further guidance:

Phone: 0121 602 7777

Or via the live chat facility on the College’s website www.halesowen.ac.uk

BTEC or NCFE CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator (or related subject) qualification.

A minimum of 4 GCSE’s at grade 4 and above including Maths and English. Applicants without a grade four in either Maths or English would be able to present an equivalent qualification such as Level 2 Functional Skills however, this could hinder further progression opportunities into “top up” years or employment unless GCSE level is obtained before further progression.

An Access to Higher Education Diploma in a relevant subject area such as Health or Early Years.

For learners without the above subject related grades but who are employed, we are able to discuss this on a case-by-case basis.

September 2025

Tuesday: 9am – 4:30pm.

Thursday: 5pm-7pm.

£5,995

Full time

For any queries regarding this course please contact:

Liam Pinches – Email: lpinches@halesowen.ac.uk