Strong partnerships across the education sector are essential for developing the next generation of childcare professionals. Through a collaborative partnership, Educ8 Training has supported The College Merthyr Tydfil in delivering the Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development (CCPLD) qualification to a new cohort of learners.
The college identified a need to deliver the CCPLD Core qualification but required additional teaching resources to make the course possible. Through this collaboration, Educ8 Training’s Internal Quality Assurer, Sarah Brind, stepped into a teaching role to deliver the knowledge-based element of the Level 2 CCPLD Core to Merthyr College students. Sarah has worked with the cohort throughout their course, and soon they will be completing their MCQ test.
The cohort includes both employed and unemployed learners. Those currently working are funded through the college’s PLA programme, while others are funded by the local authority. Additional support for early years workforce development comes from the Flying Start programme, with Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council contributing funding towards learners’ training.
Together, this collaborative approach helps address skills gaps within the childcare sector and supports workforce development across Merthyr Tydfil.
Delivering the CCPLD Core Level 2 qualification
The Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development Level 2 qualification is an important stepping stone for those entering the childcare sector.
The course is divided into two components:
- a knowledge-based element, delivered in the classroom
- a practical element, where learners gain experience in real childcare settings.
Sarah Brind delivered the theoretical component, guiding learners through key topics such as safeguarding, health and safety, child development and professional practice. Students complete tasks through the WJEC learning portal and upload evidence into their portfolios before taking a multiple-choice assessment covering the course content.
Reflecting on the experience, Sarah explained that the group brought a wide range of backgrounds and motivations.
Some learners were already working with children, while others were exploring childcare as a potential new career path. The group also included learners of varying ages, from those beginning their professional journeys to individuals returning to education.
Sarah particularly enjoyed the opportunity to expand her own professional development while supporting the cohort.
“It’s been something different for me to do alongside the IQA work I do. It’s been brilliant for my CPD because I’ve had to reread over things myself.”
Meet the learners
One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme has been the diverse group of learners who came together to develop their childcare knowledge and skills.
Beverly – building towards her own nursery
Beverly is currently working as a childminder and previously spent 16 years working as a registered nurse. She hopes that completing the CCPLD Level 2 qualification will help her take the next step towards opening her own nursery.
She has particularly enjoyed learning about safeguarding and child protection.
“She’s very supportive, anything I’m not sure about she explains it to me in detail.”
Beverly also highlighted the course resources and guidance provided throughout the programme, which she feels have helped her strengthen her childcare knowledge and professional confidence.
Elizabeth – turning a passion for childcare into a business
Elizabeth has been working with children for around 13 years, including experience in her home country of Nigeria. Passionate about supporting children’s development, she enrolled on the course to better understand childcare practices and regulations in Wales.
She hopes to continue her professional journey by progressing to the Level 3 qualification and eventually opening her own childcare business.
Elizabeth also appreciated how the course embraces Welsh culture and language within early years education.
“I like how Welsh is embraced, the Welsh language, some countries neglect their own real culture, but here from childhood they put the Welsh language into their skills.”
Ellis – pursuing a new career in childcare
For Ellis, the course represented an opportunity to change career direction and find work that fits around family life.
After having her daughter, she began to seriously consider working with young children and decided to pursue formal training.
“I’ve learnt a lot more than what I thought I knew, it’s given me a lot more confidence and it’s been nice to go out and work on placement and have the hands on experience.”
Through her placement, Ellis has gained valuable insight into how childcare settings operate day-to-day.
Rhiannon – developing skills to support children
Rhiannon currently works at a riding school where she teaches children, and the CCPLD qualification has helped her deepen her understanding of how children learn and interact.
During her placement, she has enjoyed building relationships with younger children and developing strategies for supporting their development.
The course has helped her expand her skillset and gain practical experience that complements her existing work with young people.
Teigan – growing confidence around younger children
Teigan previously worked in a charity shop and joined the course to explore a new career path in childcare.
Through her studies and placement experience, she has gained greater confidence working with younger children and supporting their development.
“I’ve learnt more Welsh in a nursery then I ever did in school.”
For Teigan, the course has not only developed her childcare knowledge but also strengthened her connection with the Welsh language in an early years setting.
Supporting Merthyr College with teaching expertise
For The College Merthyr Tydfil, partnering with Educ8 Training helped ensure the CCPLD course could be delivered. Joanne Thomas, Head of Business Engagement and Partnerships at the college, explained that the institution often works with external partners to deliver specialised training across a wide range of programmes.
Educ8 Training’s involvement allowed the course to move forward, helping address a real need within the childcare sector where qualified professionals are in high demand.
Joanne praised Sarah Brind’s professionalism and communication throughout the programme, highlighting her conscientious approach and the positive working relationship between both organisations.
The partnership has also included regular review meetings involving Educ8 Training’s Quality and Compliance Director, Kathryn Wing, ensuring the course continues to meet high standards of delivery.
Building the childcare workforce together
The childcare sector continues to face significant demand for skilled and qualified professionals across Wales. By combining expertise and resources, partnerships between training providers and colleges play an essential role in preparing learners for careers in early years education.
Through this collaboration, Educ8 Training has been proud to support Merthyr College in delivering the Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development qualification, helping learners take their first steps towards careers in childcare.
With passionate learners, dedicated teaching support and strong partnership working, initiatives like this contribute to strengthening the future childcare workforce in Wales.
Educ8 Training is grateful for the opportunity to support Merthyr College and looks forward to continuing to work together to develop skills, open career pathways and support the next generation of childcare professionals.
To find out more about our Childcare courses, please click here: Childcare – Educ8
To find out more about Merthyr College’s courses, please click here: Full Time | The College Merthyr
