Course Objective/Overview

This qualification aims to develop the knowledge, understanding, behaviours and skills that underpin Professional Practice within the children’s care, play, learning and development sector.

It is primarily for those working in regulated childcare settings with families and children under the age of 8 and children’s services for those working with families and children 0-19, designed for learners in work-based learning, further education and higher education.

This qualification has been developed in close collaboration with key sector stakeholders, including Social Care Wales and Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW), it is practice-based and assesses learners’ knowledge and practice. It provides progression for learners who have completed the Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development (practice) or a legacy qualification listed in the Social Care Wales – Qualifications Framework for Social Care and Regulated Childcare in Wales or has relevant experience in the sector.

The Level 4 Professional Practice in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development will enable learners to develop and demonstrate their knowledge, understanding, behaviours, skills and practice within the context of their chosen pathway. In particular, learners will be able to demonstrate that they:

• Develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills in the chosen pathway;
• Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of theories, models and approaches applicable to the chosen pathway;
• Develop and apply knowledge and understanding of how to maintain and improve outcomes for children within the chosen pathway;
• Develop as effective and independent learners, and as critical and reflective thinkers with enquiring minds in the context of the chosen pathway;
• Use an enquiring, critical approach to distinguish facts and opinions; to build arguments and make informed judgements in an area of specialism within children’s care, play, learning and development;
• Develop self-awareness in order to improve practice in the chosen pathway;
• Use literacy. numeracy and digital competency skills as appropriate within their role.

Course Delivery

An assessor will contact the learner at their workplace at least once a month, this will either take place face to face or through a digital platform. In addition to this, they will be set approximately four hours of work to complete before the next meeting. The minimum guided learning hour requirement for this qualification is 290.

Candidates must successfully complete:

• A portfolio of evidence
• A project that includes a series of written tasks, direct observation of practice and a professional discussion.

The assessments have been designed for candidates to show their knowledge, understanding and skills of both the mandatory units and their chosen pathway content. The assessments cover a range of written elements to reflect knowledge and understanding, as well as practice elements that include the direct observation of learner practice to confirm their competence in the practical skills required for their chosen pathway content.

Key Topics/Mandatory Units

Learners must achieve a minimum of 60 credits in total. To achieve the qualification learners must complete the mandatory units and one of the optional units below.

Mandatory Units

• Leading child-centred practice
• Study skills

Optional Units

• Working with families and careers to develop parenting skills
• Working with children with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN)
• Recognising and supporting children with Additional Leaning Needs (ALN)

Course Duration

Up to 14 months 

QUALIFICATION ACHIEVED

Professional Practice in Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development Level 4 (CCPLD)

CONTACT DETAILS

ACT, Ocean Park House, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF24 5ET.

T 029 2046 4727  E info@acttraining.org.uk