Level 5 Major Award Advanced Certificate
Enrol nowTell Me MoreAsk a question via WhatsAppI am interested in 6M21471 – Stage 2 – Level 6 – Advanced Certificate in Early Learning and Care
Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Starter Pack) (5M21473)
The QQI title of this level 5 major award is Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Starter Pack) (5M21473). It comprises of 2 out of the 6 modules of the Major ELC award.
This pack offers a gentle introduction by focusing on just two carefully selected modules from the full ELC programme. These modules provide a solid foundation in core areas of Early Learning and Care and gives learners the chance to gain confidence, and explore their interest in the field.
Major Awards are the best and quickest way to become fully certified and
get recognised by NFQ education point scheme.
The Early Learning and Care Level 5 Starter Pack is designed for people who are curious about the sector but not yet ready to commit to a full award.
By taking just two introductory modules, learners gain practical insight into what a career in Early Learning and Care really involves — all while earning credits that can count toward a full qualification for those who decide to move forward.
Access to the Programme
Mature Applicants with relevant life and work experience are welcomed. Our Course Advisor is available to meet with prospective learners to discuss and advise on the course details, career and academic opportunities and assess your suitability for the course.
Entry Criteria
Entry criteria / prerequisites Level 4 Certificate / Leaving Certificate (or equivalent) or relevant life experience detailed in a current Curriculum Vitae (CV). Please provide details and attach a copy of either a current CV or Certificate. Learners must be a resident of Ireland / based in Ireland.
Learners applying to study on the 5M21473 programme must have a National Vocational Certificate (Level 4), Leaving Certificate or equivalent qualifications. Recognition of Prior Learning in the context of appropriate work/life experience, detailed in a CV and with supporting documentation, will also be considered.
Modules
This Starter Pack offers a safe and supportive first step, allowing learners to build confidence, ask questions, and see whether this is a space where they can see themselves thriving.
Completing the Starter Pack does not lead to a formal certificate or qualification.
Certification is only awarded upon successful completion of all six modules on both the Starter and Finisher Pack, which together make up the full Level 5 award and total 120 credits.
The 2 modules for the Starter Pack will be chosen from the list below:
Upon completion of both the Starter and Finisher Pack Learners will be able to:
Assessment
Typically, QQI modules are 15 credits and 25 credits– The credits earned while enrolled in the Starter Pack will be determined by the modules chosen.
Pass 50% - 64%
Merit 65% - 70%
Distinction 80% - 100%
Tutor Support
At Forus Training, we have many different supports available for your learning.
Learner Pack
When you enroll on a course, you will receive a learner pack from your trainer on the first session of the event. This learner pack contains clear assessment instructions and comprehensive material to support you as you complete the course. The pack will also include induction information as well as forms that you will complete during and at the end of your course.
Trainer Support
The trainer provides support to learners, including issuing feedback on draft work you will submit. Expect to wait up to 72 hours for a response by email from your trainer. Many of our trainers have full time jobs as well as training with us this means they will have up-to-date sector specific information, but also means that you need to allow a little time for them to get back to you. Our trainers are current with practice in the sector in which they work. Trainers can, by appointment, make time available to you before or after class to answer your queries that cannot be covered in the session. They can also make an appointment with you to discuss your work on a telephone call.
Assessment Upload Facility
We have a user-friendly assessment upload facility available to you.
Support with Preparing for Assessment
If it has been a while since you’ve studied, we have free, short presentations on Study Skills, Academic Writing and Harvard Referencing to assist you in your work.
Technical Support
Compassionate Consideration
Where a Learner, pursuing an award, through no fault of his/her own, is unable to complete their assessment, the exit pathway below is in place to facilitate this Learner with an alternative course. The Learner is given the opportunity to obtain the Award by completing the course at an alternative date/location should they have relocated to an area where we provide the same award. The following are examples of circumstances where a Learner is unable to complete their project/their course:
● Bereavement,
● Illness,
● Pregnancy,
● Relocation,
● Extenuating circumstances.
Please see P9 S7 C6 Compassionate Consideration Policy. Learner Welfare P9 S6 C6 Learner Welfare Policy and practices are fully integrated throughout teaching and learning experiences by both Trainers and staff to effectively meet the health and wellbeing needs of all Learners. The Forus Training welfare policy is focused on the welfare of all Learners and addresses any particular challenges individual Learners may be experiencing during their learning experience. The learning environment includes welfare support provided by staff for Learners which is fully integrated throughout the teaching and learning and organisation of teaching and learning to effectively meet the personal, social (wellbeing) and academic needs of Learners and staff.
Please see the policy here P9 S6 C6 Learner Welfare Policy.
Supports for Learners with Disabilities and Specific Learning Difficulties
Forus Training is fully committed to complying with relevant policies and legislation with respect to equality and disability. Registered and potential Learners with verified disabilities or specific learning difficulties may be given compassionate consideration and reasonable accommodation to enable them to successfully complete their programme. This is arranged by the Course Coordinator. A reasonable accommodation is any action that helps to alleviate a substantial disadvantage due to an impairment or medical condition. Such accommodations are put in place to help reduce these barriers in order to provide equality of access and opportunity for all. Reasonable accommodations are made for Learners on a case by case basis and must be supported with medical documentation. Both P9 S2 C6 Evidence of Disability Form and P9 S2 C6A Application Form for Reasonable Accommodation can be found at the following link: https://forustraining.ie/knowledge-base/how-do-i-a...
The Early Learning and Care Starter Pack is an entry point to the full Level 5 award in Early Learning and Care. It includes just two modules from the complete six-module programme and is designed to help learners explore whether this is the right career path for them.
On completion of the Starter Pack (two modules), Learners will not receive a qualification or certificate. This part of the programme is intended as an introduction only.
In order to be awarded a qualification, learners must complete the full six-module programme, which includes both the Starter Pack and the Finisher Pack, amounting to a total of 120 credits. Upon successful completion of all six modules, learners will be awarded a QQI Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care.
This programme is validated by QQI and is coded 5M21473 Certificate in Early Learning and Care. This certificate which will be issued to you by us is an award listed on the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications). This ensures the certificate is nationally and internationally recognised and has many potential uses; for example, for further / higher education or employment in Ireland or abroad.
Online Anytime 1:1 - You can start today
Enjoy one to one Trainer support through Zoom, choose whether to have your learner pack posted to your home - (€25 optional if opting for the printed pack). 3 x 30 minute check-in / progress sessions with your trainer.
The level 5 Major Award Certificate in Early Learning and Care (Starter Pack) (5M21473) is your first step in to gaining an Early Learning and Care qualification. Once you have successfully completed the two introductory modules, the natural progression is to move on to the next stage: the Finisher Pack.
The Finisher Pack contains the remaining four modules needed to complete the full Level 5 Certificate in Early Learning and Care and upon completion you will be awarded a Level 5 certificate in Early Learning and Care.
Learners who successfully complete the full Starter and Finisher Pack may use the associated credits towards a place on a Higher Education course at level 7 or above. The Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS) systematically links named Further Education and Training (FET) awards at levels 5 and 6 of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) to a variety of 3rd level courses in participating higher education institutions. The link below provides information on Progression Opportunities into Higher Education (set out by QQI): https://www.qqi.ie/Publications/Publications/Progr...
The link below provides a QQI points calculator for Level 5 and 6 from 2017 onwards: www.careersportal.ie/qqi/
Registration can take place through our website, this will involve you completing the relevant application form, providing us with your personal information so we can complete the registration on our side. Registration can also take place by telephone/email/Whatsapp or in person, this will involve you providing us details of the course you wish to study, providing us your payment details and agreeing to proceed with the purchase. By completing registration, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions set out herein.
Please read Terms & Conditions here.
QQI are responsible for the external quality assurance of further and higher education and training in Ireland.
QQI validate programmes, make awards and are responsible for the promotion, maintenance, development and review of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ).
QQI also inform the public about the quality of education and training programmes and qualifications, and advise the Government on national policy regarding quality assurance and enhancement in education and training.
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