JW6 LEVEL 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Children’s Play Learning and Development

Applications Open: Thursday 6th November 2025

Applications Close: Tuesday 31st March 2026

Entry Requirements: Please see specific course details.

The Level 3 BTEC National Extended Certificate in Children’s Play Learning and Development allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector.

You will have a minimum of 50hrs of placement in at least one setting, putting new knowledge and skills into practice and gaining confidence in the workplace through developing behaviours required for skilled employment. Skills may be learned through real or simulated activities both in the classroom environment or on placement.

• Cognitive and problem-solving skills: use critical thinking, approach non-routine problems applying expert and creative solutions, use systems and technology

• Intrapersonal skills: communicating, working collaboratively, negotiating and influencing, self-presentation

• Interpersonal skills: self-management, adaptability and resilience, self-monitoring and development.

This qualification has the following units

Unit 1: Children’s Development (Examination)

Unit 2: Development of Children’s Communication, Literacy and Numeracy Skills (Examination)

Unit 3: Play and Learning (Coursework)

Unit 6: Children’s Physical Development Care and Health Needs (Coursework)

This course is equivalent to one A Level.

4 mandatory units, two externally assessed and two internally assessed.

This qualification is primarily designed to support progression to employment via higher education; however this will also be relevant for those who choose to progress directly to employment, through an Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.

This qualification does not confer Early Years Educator status. Although it does support progression to employment in support roles in the early years sector, for example:

• supervised nursery worker

• classroom assistant

• childminding assistant

• nanny

• employment through an Early Years Educator Apprenticeship.

The qualification carries UCAS points and is recognised by higher education providers as contributing to meeting admission requirements to many relevant courses. It can be taken alongside other level 3 qualifications as part of a two-year programme of learning, for example:

• A level in English, Physchology, Sociology, Biology, Art etc.

• or BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care.

Enabling progression to a range of degree programmes.

• Nursing – BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing, Nursing – Child – BSc (Hons)

• Teacher Training – Childhood and Early Years Studies BA (Hons)

• Social Work – BA (Hons) Social Work

• Psychology – Psychology BSc (Hons).