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Level 3 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory (For First Award 2025)

Level 3

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The Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory qualification combines theoretical knowledge in children’s care, play, learning and development with the practical skills needed to work within the sector.

It is primarily designed for post-16 learners in further education who are:

  • interested in working in a support role in the childcare sector
  • studying, or have completed Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core qualification
  • returning to the workforce after a career break looking to refresh their knowledge and skills in the Childcare sector.

This qualification is suitable for learners who have achieved a Level 2 qualification including the Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory or who have no previous knowledge of the children’s care, play, learning and development sectors.

Learners who have not yet completed the Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core qualifications are strongly advised to do so prior to or alongside this qualification.

Learning Cym

This qualification allows learners to develop the knowledge and skills required for employment and/or career progression in childcare or health settings.

It combines practice units that are assessed within the workplace, with opportunities to develop the fundamental skills needed to work with children and additional theoretical knowledge.

The practice element of this qualification mirrors that of the Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice qualification. The theoretical aspect focuses on principles and theories that influence children’s health, well-being and development and how the childcare and child health sector can respond to all the needs of children 0-19 years.

By completing this qualification, learners will be able to demonstrate that they:

  • understand, and apply in practice, the principles and values which underpin children’s care, play, learning and development
  • understand, and apply, in practice, child-centred approaches to care, play and learning
  • can promote and support child development through their own practice
  • can evaluate research and theories to support practice
  • are aware of key policies within the sector and how these affect service development and delivery
  • can work in partnership with children, their families, carers and a range of professionals
  • can reflect on practice to continuously improve
  • can apply a range of problem-solving techniques
  • can use literacy, numeracy and digital competency skills as appropriate within their role.

Learners are required to complete a minimum of 700 hours of work placement to achieve this qualification.

The Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory allows learners to combine mandatory units with a wide-range of optional units depending on their work placement or future career aspirations.

The mandatory units are:

Unit Unit Title
300 Promoting core practice in children’s care, play, learning and development
301 Promoting play, learning, growth and development
302 Promoting nutrition and hydration in early years
303 Responding to childhood illness, infestation/infection, disease and immunisation

At least one of the following:

304 Promoting the care of 0-2 year olds
305 Promoting the care of 2-3 year olds
306 Promoting the care of 3-7 year olds

Plus the following mandatory theory units:

330 Principles and theories that influence children’s care, play, learning and development in the 21st century in Wales
331 Investigating current issues in children’s care, play, learning and development in Wales
332 Practical Skills for Work Placement in Early Years (0-7 years)

Further information on the requirements for achieving the qualification can be found in the qualification specifications. Centres must ensure that learners complete the minimum number of credits from the practice units to be able to achieve the qualification.

The Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory qualification is assessed through 70% internal assessment and 30% external assessment. Candidates must successfully complete:

  • an externally set, internally marked set of structured tasks for the practice units
  • a portfolio of evidence for the practice units
  • a discussion with their assessor for the practice
  • a portfolio of evidence for Unit 332

Candidates must be entered for

  • an external examination for Unit 330
  • an externally set and marked extended investigation for Unit 331

An assessment pack detailing the requirements of the internal assessment for the practice units can be downloaded from the key documents and supporting materials tab of the qualification page.

Completion of the Level 3 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory qualification provides a suitable foundation for the study of early years and childcare through a range of higher education courses, or apprenticeships.

Contact Us

Amy Allen-Thomas

Subject Officer
ccpld@wjec.co.uk
029 2240 4264

Tania Lucas

Subject Support Officer
ccpld@wjec.co.uk
029 2240 4264

Key Documents
Specification
Specification
Guidance for Teaching
Guidance for Teaching
Course Materials
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Candidate Authentication Sheet: Level 3 CCPLD: Practice and Theory - Unit 332

Unit 332 - Example Delivery Plan

Unit 331 Timesheet

Unit 331 Examination – January 2024 (Inc Topics, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Unit 330 Examination – January 2024 (Inc Question Paper, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Unit 330 Examination – Summer 2023 (Inc Question Paper, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Unit 331 Examination – Summer 2023 (Inc Examiner’s Report , Topics, Mark Scheme & Online Exam Review)

Unit 330 Examination – January 2023 (Inc Question Paper, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Unit 331 Examination – January 2023 (Inc Examiner’s Report , Topics, Mark Scheme & Online Exam Review)

Unit 330 Examination - Summer 2022 (Inc Question Paper, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Unit 331 Examination - Summer 2022 (Inc Question Paper, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Unit 330 Examination - January 2022 (Inc Question Paper, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Unit 330 Examination - Autumn 2021 (Inc Question Paper, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Unit 330 Examination - January 2021 (Inc Question Paper, Mark Scheme, Online Exam Review & Examiner’s Report)

Head to our Training and Events page for the latest information on Professional Development events and learning opportunities for this qualification.

Past Webinars
Event Link
CCPLD Level 3: Unit 330 Practice and Theory Spring Network (2024) Click here to view
CCPLD Level 3: Unit 331 Practice and Theory Spring Network (2024) Click here to view