CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children, progressing onto CACHE Level 2 and 3 qualifications

CACHE Learners at Leon School and Sports College in Bletchley, Milton Keynes, have been boosted by the opening of Tadpoles Training Nursery, an innovative training facility which will further support their progression from entry Level to Level 3.

The fantastic Tadpoles Training Nursery gives the learners great first hand experience. Parents can leave their children in the care of the students and tutors whilst they use the pool or gym in the adjoining leisure centre.

The Centre is one of a growing number of secondary schools to recognise the importance of offering vocational qualifications as an alternative to traditional academic routes. Childcare is one of the options available, and the school are proud to deliver CACHE qualifications appropriate for those aged 14 and upwards.

Hayley Marshall, Head of Childcare at Leon said, "Students can begin studying childcare in Year 10 with the CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children. If they want to stay on to the sixth form, they can progress onto CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education, and the Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, which combine studying at school with practical experience. We also offer additional short courses in first aid, holistic approaches, food hygiene, and art which have proved very popular."

The fantastic Tadpoles Training Nursery gives the learners great first hand experience. Parents can leave their children in the care of the students and tutors whilst they use the pool or gym in the adjoining leisure centre. "This proves really beneficial to the learners as they can take what they have learnt into their work placements," says Hayley.

The training nursery is fully equipped with two learning areas, a kitchen for preparing healthy meals and snacks, an art area for creative learning, as well as a book corner and lending library. Students were able to really take control of their learning environment by designing each area, choosing and buying furniture and even assembling the various cabinets, shelves and cupboards when they arrived.

"I have really high hopes for the future." says Hayley. "Here at Leon, the Head Teacher is very supportive of vocational courses and has allowed us to move forward and develop the courses to suit the Learners needs. I definitely think it encourages them to progress, and the fact that they can start at Entry level and work their way up with us is a great way to build their confidence. The superb new facilities really support their learning and have proved a big attraction too!"

CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children
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