Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare

Read the credit value before anything else: 40 credits, where nearly every other Level 4 diploma here is 120. That makes this a compact qualification of roughly a term's serious study rather than a year's, and it is not equivalent to the first year of a degree in volume even though it sits at the same level. Qualifi has designed it for people already employed in early years who hold a full Level 3 and want to move into an advanced practitioner role.

The unit list in our data shows nine titles, including Child development and enabling children to learn, Physical activity and nutrition co-ordination (PANCo) in early years, Supporting children with additional needs, Partnership working in early years settings, Legal requirements in childcare, Caring for babies and Caring for children through play out of school. Nine units would not fit inside 40 credits, so not every learner takes every one; LSPM confirms the combination with you at enrolment against the current specification. Implementing and evaluating change through a research project is the unit that gives the qualification its shape, because it asks you to change something in your own setting and measure the result.

Qualifi sets the entry requirements for this qualification and LSPM, as the approved centre, applies them when it assesses your application. As published by the awarding body:

• This qualification is designed for learners who are employed in an early year setting who wish to upskill into an Advanced Practitioner role. Entry is at the discretion of the centre. However, learners should be aged 18 or above to undertake this qualification.
• Learners must already hold a full Level 3 early years/childcare qualification.
• Centres are responsible for ensuring that this qualification is appropriate for the age and ability of learners. They need to make sure that learners can fulfil the requirements of the learning outcomes and comply with the relevant literacy, numeracy and health and safety aspects of this qualification.
• Learners registered on this qualification should not undertake another qualification at the same Level with the same or a similar title, as duplication of learning may affect funding eligibility.

Source: the Qualifi specification. If you are not sure whether your qualification counts as equivalent, send us the details and we will put the question to LSPM's admissions team, who make the decision.

You must already hold a full Level 3 early years or childcare qualification, be 18 or over, and be working in an early years setting. Qualifi also notes that you should not be registered for another qualification at the same level with a similar title at the same time.

Work-based written assignments and a research project carried out in your own setting. There are no examinations. Whether drafts receive feedback before marking is a question for LSPM.

Assignments are set and marked by LSPM's tutors, moderated within LSPM and sampled by Qualifi before LSPM claims certificates. Draft feedback and resubmission arrangements are LSPM's own practice; confirm them at enrolment. How assessment works in full.

A full 120-credit Level 4 diploma, such as the OTHM Early Childhood Education programme, if you decide you want the year-one equivalent.

Advanced practitioner, room leader or PANCo lead roles in your current or a new setting.

A later application to an early childhood degree, where this diploma is unlikely on its own to secure advanced standing because of its size.