Addendum for work placement hours in BTEC Nationals Diploma and Extended Diploma in Childrens Play, Learning and Development

This addendum applies only to the following qualifications:

• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) (720 GLH) 601/7571/0
• Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) (1080 GLH) 601/7572/2

The exceptional situations due to Covid over the past two years have presented many challenges for learners undertaking these sizes of the qualification, where the work placement is an essential requirement to achieve the qualification.

We have reflected upon the experiences of providers and learners during the last two years and have adapted our approach to work placement hours for Diploma and Extended Diploma sizes for the BTEC CPLD qualification

• From birth to one year 11 months
• From two years to four years 11 months
• Five years to seven years 11 months
  

Moving forward, as of 1 September 2022, centres must encourage learners to undertake as
near to the 750 recommended hours for these 2 sizes of the qualification. However, these will
not be mandated. The focus will remain on learners demonstrating all skills and competencies
identified in the Practice Evidence Portfolio, required to meet the Early Years Educator criteria and the achievement of minimum 100 hrs - 300 hrs in total over the qualification.

A minimum of two settings, and with three-age groups, remains a mandatory requirement of the qualification. The combination of placement hours and experience in a variety of settings/age groups affords learners a wholesome experience and the opportunity to demonstrate all skills to support them to gain confidence of working in the sector.

Special consideration can still be applied in the extenuating circumstances if the requirement for minimum 100 hours of work placement cannot be met but the skills have been met.