CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education

"I have wanted to work in childcare since high school," says Michael Watson, who has recently completed the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. He says the qualification appealed to him because of the strong practical element, and because he felt it "covered everything that’s important when working with children."

"I see myself as head of my own childcare company that provides day nurseries as well as adult classes to support them in caring for children. I also hope that one day I will write a book for men about working in child care."

Despite being the only male learner in his class, Michael didn’t feel uncomfortable. "I didn’t receive any negative remarks from anyone." He received an equally warm welcome when on placement "Being a male I especially liked the way the children looked up to me, as they don’t usually see men in this role. They loved it, and everyone told me how great it was that I had chosen to work in childcare, I have never felt more proud."

The practical placements were a particularly enjoyable part of the course for Michael, and he really seized the opportunity to put into practice what he had learnt at college. "I think the placement time is fit in perfectly in between learning, and I liked the fact that you get to learn whilst in an environment with children as well as learning at college, because you can put into practice everything you learned in the same week." Michael completed his placements in a private day nursery and two different primary schools, which gave him a great insight into different ways of working. He says "I loved working with the toddlers and babies in the day nursery and the environment was amazing. I really liked seeing the difference in how the settings were run, and how a day nursery differs from a nursery in a school."

Completing the Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education has clearly given Michael the thirst for learning, as he is planning to start an early childhood studies course at Liverpool Hope University soon. He is quite keen to build on his existing knowledge and experience as he says, "I want to be the best I can be before I start on the career ladder.” In the meantime, Michael has lots of ideas about where he would like to be in five years time. "I see myself as head of my own childcare company that provides day nurseries as well as adult classes to support them in caring for children. I also hope that one day I will write a book for men about working in child care." Michael is passionate about encouraging more men into the sector as he says "I believe that young children need male and female role models, someone to look up to and learn from."

Michael's tutor, Christine Cunliffe at Loreto College, is naturally very proud of his determination, and says that his enthusiasm and dedication are now "stronger than ever" after finishing the course.

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
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