Children's Care, Play, Learning & Development

L3 Level 3
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

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

What you will study

You will study:

  • Core practice in children’s care, play, learning and development
  • Growth and development
  • Nutrition and hydration in early years
  • Responding to childhood illness
  • Principles and theories that influence children's care, play, learning and development in the 21st century in Wales
  • Investigating current issues in children's care, play, learning and development in Wales
  • Welsh Baccalaureate

Entry requirements

Essential: 5 GCSEs A* to C. C in English Language or Cymraeg Iaith, C in Maths (numeracy not accepted, however the Essential Skills Wales AON level 3 qualification may be accepted in place of Maths). Clear enhanced DBS check

Teaching and assessment

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 tasks
  • a portfolio of evidence
  • a discussion with their assessor
  • an external examination
  • an externally set and marked extended investigation

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

21.5 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

CRCC3F10
L3

Qualification

Children's Care, Play, Learning & Development (Bilingual)
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What our students say

"My tutors have been so supportive and lovely. After finishing this course, I hope to progress on to university to become a qualified primary school teacher."

Childcare
Jessica Thomas
Level 3 Children's Care, Play, Learning and Development student

Career prospects & further study

103,500

Currently, there are almost 103,500 people employed within this sector in the Cardiff Capital Region, with employment numbers expected to reach 105,000 by 2027 (Lightcast 2022).

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.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE