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Course Overview

Course Overview
The NCFE Entry 3 Award in Occupational Studies will help you explore a and gain an understanding of working in the childcare sector. These units can help you decide whether a career in childcare or early years education is right for you and provide a foundation for progression onto higher-level childcare, early years, or education-related qualification if you wish to progress. By completing these units, you will gain an understanding of child development, communication, and supporting children's learning and wellbeing, helping you take the first steps towards a rewarding career working with children and young people.
Prosp Overview
You will need to demonstrate the ability to work at Entry 3 functional skills English so you can complete the written work. You will need to attend a pre-enrolment interview. Please book an appointment on 0161 770 8268.
Prosp Req
There are no exams, certification is gained through participation in class and completion of assignments to the required standard.
Prosp Assess
You will complete the following three units from the occupational studies qualification. This will be followed by an introductory course preparing you to progress to the Level 1 qualification.

Unit 72 Food and Nutrition for children
This unit helps learners understand the importance of a balanced diet for children, including key nutrients, healthy foods, and how nutritional needs change as children grow. It also develops awareness of food allergies and the dietary requirements of different religious and cultural groups when caring for children.

Unit 73 Caring for children and young babies
This unit helps learners understand how to meet the care needs of babies and young children, including supporting their health, safety, hygiene, and daily routines. It also develops knowledge of children's growth and development, communication, play, and creating a safe and nurturing environment for young children.

Unit 74: Working with Children
This unit helps learners understand the skills, responsibilities, and positive behaviours needed when supporting children in childcare or educational settings. It develops knowledge of keeping children safe, communicating effectively, supporting learning through play, and working appropriately with children and adults.
Prosp Content
Completing this qualification is a significant achievement and provides opportunities to progress to further learning. You may choose to study a higher-level qualification within the education and childcare sector or undertake courses designed to develop essential skills for everyday life and employment, such as English, Mathematics and Employability Skills. Your tutor or careers adviser will work with you to identify the most appropriate progression route and help you explore the range of learning and employment opportunities available.


The childcare units will help you develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for a range of roles working with children and young people. These may include:

• Nursery Assistant
• Early Years Assistant
• Preschool Assistant
• Childcare Assistant
• Playgroup Assistant
• Crèche Assistant
• Childminding Assistant
• School Support Assistant
• Teaching Assistant (with further training)
• Playworker
Prosp Progression
This course may be eligible for a range of fee concessions, which could result in it being free of charge for some learners. A free course offer is also available for employed learners who meet specific eligibility criteria. Where course fees exceed £70, learners may have the option to pay by instalments. Further information is available at www.oldham.gov.uk/lifelong. Learners should be aware that refunds are not available if they withdraw from a course. Any outstanding instalment payments will remain payable following withdrawal.
Prosp Fees
PV-N00564A
25/09/2026
16/04/2027
09:30
Friday
2.50 hrs per wk
33 weeks
391.25