1. The Acorn Project.

2. Introduction to The Acorn Project. Having the right skills and qualifications have never been more important which is why The Gateway has designed a new and exciting project to empower young parents and enable them to gain an Accredited Qualification Award in Early Years Development. The Acorn Project is a new programme for young parents from 16 to 19 years of age. We will be offering an exciting range of qualifications in Child Development, Employability, Work Experience and First Aid. We will provide a one day a week work placement, where your learning will be supported by a local nursery three days a week. We will be able to provide a reputable crèche for your child whilst on placement. We are supported by Unilever and Haybrook College.

3. Our Mission Statement Our courses aim to inspire, motivate and challenge our learners. We provide a holistic approach to learning and offer opportunity to all our learners. This course will provide the learner with the skills and confidence to access knowledge of early child development. We are committed to changing young people’s lives and we ensure that young learners develop throughout the learning experience and are able to move onto further education or work. We provide a vibrant and supportive environment. Your learning will take place in the Unilever Building which provides an adult and professional learning space. You will be trained by tutors with years of experience and a range of skills.

4. Student Support at The Acorn Project: Eligibility This course is available to all young parents with children aged 3 months to 5 years and11 months. Student Support Every student will be able to gain advice and support and we have a range of services that we are able to access on your behalf. We can offer an in house mentor and school nurse. We also offer support with a Moving On package at the end of the academic. Financial Support The Acorn Project is a free course if aged between 16 to 19 years of age. There are no material costs. All resources are provided by the project. The Acorn Bursary We are able to offer financial support to our students in low income households. All applicants who meet he relevant criteria must complete the forms in order to access college bursary dependent on attendance, Attainment, Attitude and Achievement. We reserve the right to withdraw and withhold the bursary, if we feel it necessary Care to Learn If you need help with childcare cost’s you can get information from the Acorn Project and we can support you with the application process. This funding will ensure that you can cover certain cost’s whilst you are on this programme For more details you can access information on Direct.gov.uk/caretolearn.

5. CACHE Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People (QCF) The Acorn Project provides learners with an opportunity to focus on a CACHE Level 2 Certificate in a supervised capacity The Mandatory Units for a Certificate will include : Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. Rights and responsibilities in relation to parenting. Parenting and healthy lifestyles. Parenting a young baby. Use of food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet Craft activities with young people. Accident prevention and fire safety when looking after a baby.

6. Additional Courses The Gateway Options. We also have further opportunities for our learners to extend and acquire additional skills and qualifications at The Gateway our Post 16 Provision. We are able to offer Vocational, BTEC and Functional Skills as an additional to the Acorn Project Early Years Qualification. Functional Skills Literacy Entry Level 1 up to 2 Maths Entry Level 1 up to 2 ICT Level 1 & 2 BTEC Business Level 2 Certificate BTEC Health & Social Care Level 2 Certificate Extended BTEC Travel & Tourism Level 2 & 3 Certificate Extended ABC Motor Vehicle Level 1 & 2 BTEC Construction Level 1 & 2 We will also have on offer Enrichment opportunities, Music, Sport, Performing Arts and Fashion Design.

7. Where to next? CACHE Level 2 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Child Care and Education (NQF) can offer further education in: The Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF) England Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF) Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Child Care and Education (NQF). Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion? The Award and Certificate do not qualify you to work with children and young people but after completing the Diploma you could work as: Early years assistant Pre school assistant Nursery foundation stage assistant Special educational needs assistant