Which Level 3 Course/Provider To Choose?

[Mrsmuz]

Hi guys. I am looking to start a level 3 course in childcare/early years but am overwhelmed with the amount of providers and differing course content etc...

I work full time and have a 3yr old so am looking for a distance learning course ideally, cost is not a massive issue provided I am getting the most out of the course.

Are some colleges looked at in a better light than others?

Can anyone recommend any particular distance learning providers, or most beneficial courses that will allow me to work in a childcare environment? I intend on working on the management side of things as time goes on.

If anyone can offer their experiences or any other advice please do

Many thanks.

[tutu]

you will HAVE to work in a setting for at least 12 hours a week to qualify do not go with any college that says you dont like cambridge. this just gives you the knowledge not the practice element and therefore not a full level 3. to qualify you need to be observed by an assessor and the guided hours from cache in placement are 400.
i would also recommend you do a level 2 first as you wouldn't do A level maths without a GCSE childcare now thank god is the same. very hard and rightly so. most people who apply for our courses without a 2 drop out as they dont have the basic theoretical and legislative knowledge that they need as we dont reteach it we assume students have done a level 2.
check the cache website

[Mrsmuz]

Hi thanks for the reply. Should have said I have already secured placement within a daycare.. If there are things you need to know at level 3 you only learn at level 2 how can you be accepted on an ey foundation degree course by a college?

[tutu]

because you are money!!! you are £6k in the bank and they dont care if you fail HE stats are irrelevant to most colleges. and is is JUST a degree it does not give you a license to practice. i have someone on my degree course who is having to do a vol placement because she cant be left unsupervised. Employers do not like to employ people who rush their learning i had 211 for my last vacancy and whittled in down to 7 very quickly by throwing out all those who hadnt done a 2 and those who had done short courses of 6 months etc. if im employing someone who wants a career with children i want depth of knowledge and when theres 200 for every job i can afford to be very very picky.

[charlotte1001]

My employer wants to rush me through mine in 6 months!