The award aims to:

• meet the basic training needs of potential childcare workers;
• provide a framework for candidates to gain the knowledge required to become useful childcare workers;
• give candidates the opportunity to prove their competence in a childcare setting;
• promote good practice, positive attitudes and response to differing cultures, gender and abilities;
• give candidates a foundation on which to develop their employment prospects by their achievement of a recognised qualification.

This award provides an ideal introduction to the world of work with children. It is suitable for a wide range of candidates, from secondary school pupils in Years 10 and 11, to mature students, members of minority cultural groups with English as a second language, and those returning to work after a career break.

Entry Guidance

No formal prior qualifications are required, although candidates should have the minimum level of literacy required for them to comply with the safety aspects of the award. No previous experience of working with children is required.

Mandatory units

The award consists of four mandatory units:

• Unit 01 Create a safe environment for children.

  This includes: identification of potential hazards in settings to which children have access; recognition of symptoms of common childhood illnesses and methods of treating them.

• Unit 02 Work as part of a team.

  This includes: possible sources of advice, information, materials, equipment and support for childcare groups; knowledge of the adult's role in supporting children's development; working within teams.

• Unit 03 Contribute to equality of opportunity in support of children's development.

  This includes: recognition of appropriate toys and activities for children of differing ages; equal opportunity issues of culture, gender and disability; identification of good practice in play sessions.

• Unit 04 Provide a range of appropriate play activities for children.

  This includes practical sessions on books, puppets, storytelling, water, sand, rhymes, sound makers, table top toys, dough, paint and cold cookery.

Candidates must successfully complete all four mandatory units to be awarded the NCFE Introduction to Working with Children. Letters of Unit Credit may be requested for those candidates not achieving the full award but who achieve at least one whole unit.

More information

For more information, contact Sue Rae

• Telephone:

  (+44) (01282) 435302

  Please ask for Sue Rae.

• By e-mail:

  Sue Rae SueR@newera-burnley.co.uk

• By mail
  New Era Enterprises Ltd
  St James' House
  St. James's Row
  Burnley
  BB11 1DR
  England