Children's care, learning and development - level 3 apprenticeship framework

About the framework

This framework specifies the standards and the criteria for the delivery of level 3 apprenticeship training to achieve qualified status within the children’s care, learning and development industry.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship will lead to the award of a level 3 qualification and recognition as a qualified person within the industry sector.

Mandatory outcomes

Achievement of a level 3 apprenticeship in children’s care, learning and development will be assessed by verification through the appropriate awarding body.

You must complete both the competence and knowledge-based qualification, along with the mandatory essential skills qualifications.

Mandatory essential skills

To successfully complete the apprenticeship, you must achieve the following essential skills qualifications as part of the apprenticeship or already hold a recognised equivalent:

• application of number – level 2
• communication – level 2 
• information and communication technology – level 2

However, any qualifications you already have are assessed against the framework requirements and may result in an exemption from the above.

Pathway 1 – childcare

Combined competency and knowledge qualifications

You need to complete a combined competence-based and knowledge-based qualification, from the list below.

• City and Guilds level 3 diploma in children’s care learning and development (Northern Ireland) 603/6141/4
• NCFE CACHE level 3 diploma for children’s care, learning and development (Northern Ireland) 603/6039/2
• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children's Care Learning and Development (Northern Ireland) 603/7477/9

Each apprentice must also complete a current 12-hour paediatric/ childcare first aid qualification.

Pathway 2 – playwork

You need to complete the combined competence-based and knowledge-based qualification below.

• City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Playwork (NVQ) 501/1488/8

You are also required to hold a current HSE-approved emergency first aid, first aid at work, or paediatric first aid certificate. Evidence of this will be required for certification.

Eligibility and entry to the programme

You must be employed to take part in the programme.

Employment is at the discretion of the employer who may have specific expectations in terms of qualifications or other requirements.

Entry to the level 3 apprenticeship is by progression from the apprenticeshipsni level 2 apprenticeship in children’s care, learning and development.

You may also enter the level 3 apprenticeship, subject to assessment by the training contractor and employer, if you've:

• already gained significant work experience in this occupational area, which could be considered as meeting the requirements of the level 2 CCLD framework and also demonstrate the capacity to achieve a level 3 standard
• previously achieved a relevant level 2 recognised vocational qualification that is a mandatory requirement of the current apprenticeshipsni level 2 CCLD framework

See also the DfE apprenticeship guidelines and operational requirements for eligibility information. 

Related knowledge

You must complete suitable employee rights and responsibilities (ERR) training. For this framework, you must complete level 2 award in employment rights and responsibilities in health, social care or children and young people’s settings (single unit award).

Framework certification is issued on confirmation from training contractors that the ERR has been completed.

Responsibilities

It's the responsibility of the training contractor/ college to make sure all components of this framework are delivered in line with apprenticeshipsni operational requirements.

The apprentice must be employed from day one.

Further information

The content of this framework (Framework No 323 Issue 9: 10/24) has been agreed by the Department for the Economy. For further information, contact:

• Department for the Economy - Apprenticeships Delivery and Performance Branch