NATIONAL CHILDHOOD NETWORK

EARLY YEARS TRAINING PROGRAMME

STUDENT HANDBOOK

Dear Student, This handbook contains templates which your Tutor will explain to you on the first day/evening

of your course. National Childhood Network is a Quality Assured Training Provider and as such wish to

ensure that you have an enjoyable learning experience. We will provide you with as much

support as necessary to help you to achieve success and to ensure that we meet the

obligations under our Quality Assurance. This handbook contains information on the following:-

Participant Profile Form

The NCN Assessment Process The NCN Appeals Process The National Framework of Qualifications The National Childhood Network Equality Policy Tutor & Student Expectations NCN Access Transfer and Progression Statement

NCN Plagiarism Policy Statement Student Induction Form Student/Tutor Mid-Term Evaluation Form Complaints Form End of Course Evaluation Form All items contained in the Student Handbook are for your information only; your tutor will guide

you through any forms that you may need to complete. As well as support from your tutor, the NCN provide a helpdesk facility to assist you with your

assignments or any other aspect of your studies. You will also have access to a resource

library and the internet for the purpose of research to complete your assignments.

You are on a course of study which will involve a certain amount of directed learning in the

classroom and also a certain amount of self-directed learning which you will do yourself once

the class time has finished. To give you an idea of the approximate time you should be

spending completing your assignments for each module please see Appendix 1.

We would like to re-assure you that in line with GDPR (2018) any personal data that you

submit to us will only be used for the purpose of certification with QQI. It will not be used for

any other purpose unless to contact you directly regarding a query. Your data will be kept for

the duration of your training with NCN and thereafter kept for a further 36 months to ensure

certification is complete and respond to any queries you may have in the future about your

qualification..

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you much success in your learning journey. Yours faithfully

Maureen McDermott Training Development Officer

Pre-requisites for Students who are beginning their learning journey

with National Childhood Network

1. All students will complete the Participant Profile document within the student folder.

Due to the pandemic a physical student folder cannot be sent out but is available on

our website here -

https://www.ncn.ie/images/PDFs/NCN_Student_Pack_version_3.pdf

PLEASE READ THS DOCUMENT CAREFULLY

2. All students will read carefully the Tutor and Student Expectations

3. NCN require that 85% attendance is essential to enable students to complete

assignments this also applies to Zoom classes during the current pandemic

4. It is essential that all students attend and present their work at the mid-term meeting

with their tutor

5. All assignments must be handed in on time in order to meet the QQI deadline. Late

entries will not be considered

6. Students will not be allowed to continue to the next module if they have not

submitted assignments for the previous module

7. A helpdesk is available for you throughout your learning journey

8. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. You should conduct research and do not use

downloads for the majority of your work - this will not be accepted

9. You should always provide a reference section with your work to advise the examiner

where your research was drawn from

10. Any assignments that do not meet the criteria will not be marked by the tutor and will

be returned to the student

Remote Learning Requirements

A WhatsApp group will be set up for the module group and used to send general

messages in relation to the module only

Learners will get an audio power-point before the start of the class and are expected

to have either listened to it or read it before the start of the Zoom class as that is

what the class will be based on

You will be expected to have written your questions down and ask your question at

the start of the Zoom class

Remember there is no such thing as a silly question you need to be clear about the

content of each lesson as you will be working from home on your own

The tutor will not discuss in open class or in the WhatsApp group any learners

individual work

You must take responsibility for saving your own work

Learners will be expected to set up a file on your own computer and whatever notes,

booklets, links, assignments are sent out should be saved in that file. Notes will only

be sent out once

Working from home without an opportunity to complete an assignment whilst

working in your service will be a challenge but you are going to have to think outside

the box and use your initiative

Think about examples of practice that you can use that actually happened

We are all facing a challenge so let us keep positive and use the NCN helpdesk also if

you are struggling email: maureenm@ncn.ie

Signed

Maureen McDermott

Training Development Officer

National childhood Network

NATIONAL CHILDHOOD NETWORK LIMITED

‘Quality Childhood Services’

Participant Profile Form

FULL NAME: _________________________________________________________ AS

YOU WOULD LIKE IT TO APPEAR ON A CERTIFICATE

POSTAL ADDRESS: __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

_________________________________________________

EMAIL ADDRESS: _________________________________________________

DATE OF BIRTH: _________________________________________________

CONTACT TELEPHONE NO: (WORK) __________________________________

(MOBILE) __________________________________

PPS NO: ____________________________________________________________

Have you completed programme modules with another TRAINING PROVIDER Centre Recently?

If yes, please state name of centre________________________________________

Are you in receipt of a Social Welfare Payment? ____________________________

Medical Card Y/N If yes Medical Card No.__________________________________

Which Major Award are you aiming to achieve? ____________________________

Please state training already undertaken:

_____________________________________________________________________ Please complete this form legibly as this is the information that will appear on your Level 5 certificate

NCN ASSESSMENT PROCESS

NCN APPEALS PROCESS

STATEMENT OF PROVISIONAL RESULTS

SENT WITH DETAILS OFAPPEALS PROCESS, FEE

& DEADLINE

APPEAL IS RECEIVED FROM LEARNER WITH APPROPRIATE FEE AND

APPEALS PANEL IS CONVENED

APPEALS PANEL EXAMNIES THE

EVIDENCE/RESULT AND A DECISION IS MADE BASED

ON THEIR FINDINGS

APPEAL UPHELD ? LEARNER IS NOTIFIED ASAP VIA LETTER AND THE FEE IS RETURNED -

QBS SYSTEM IS UPDATED

APPEAL NOT SUCCESSFUL LEARNER IS NOTIFIED

IMMEDIATELY BY LETTER

APPEAL MEETING IS MINUTED AND ALL

DOCUMNENTS ARE FILED FOR FUTURE REFERENCE

START

END

THE NATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF QUALIFICATIONS - IRELAND

Equality Policy

The National Childhood Network is an Equal Opportunities

Organisation. As such it is committed to Equality of

Opportunity for existing and potential employees and all other

individuals who come into contact with the NCN. The purpose

of this Policy is to create an organisation which provides Equal

Opportunities to all staff, visitors, students, early years and

afterschool providers and the parents and staff attending such

services; where their dignity is protected and respected at all

times.

All persons, regardless of Gender, Civil Status, Family

Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Age, Disability, Race or

Membership of the Traveller Community will be provided with

equality of access to employment and services and also

encouraged and assisted to achieve their potential. We will

continue to foster a genuine culture of Equality in line with the

Vision and Mission statement of the National Childhood

Network and appropriate legislation.

Tutors and Student Expectations

National Childhood Network has initiated and supported the development

and delivery of a number of training initiatives throughout the region,

which has increased the number of qualified trainers and increased the

range of courses available. The overall aim is to ensure that we have a

qualified population of employees in our early childhood services and

ensure that the service provided to our babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers,

school age children and parents is of the highest standard.

National Childhood Network can, through their tutors/trainers recognise

and responds to a varied population of learners through varied teaching

principles. In order to support this and to ensure a mutually pleasant

experience for both adult learner and tutor/trainer expectations need to

be met.

Tutors Expectations of Students

To be treated with respect and consideration

To attend classes on time and regularly

To pay attention in class and not disrupt the session

To advise tutor if they are going to miss a class or be late

To complete all aspects of assessment work as advised to the best of their

ability

To let the tutor know when they don’t understand something

To take responsibility to catch up with sessions missed

To respect the tutors role and the limits to it (tutor is not there to do work for

student)

Students Expectations of Tutors

To be treated with respect and consideration

To let the student know if a class is to be cancelled or late commencing

To deliver classes according to schedule

To assist in the development of student skills

To receive encouragement and assistance as appropriate

To be encouraged to contribute in class

To feel safe and confident to ask questions

To feel confident in approaching tutor with any learning difficulties

To receive periodic feedback on work completed

To have their work assessed and corrected in a timely manner

ACCESS TRANSFER AND PROGRESSION

ACCESS

Level 5

Prospective learners who wish to participate in this programme will come from

diverse social, economic and/or cultural backgrounds. The route to the NCN

programme of training can be achieved through either direct contact with the

Training Unit in NCN by email to maureenm@ncn.ie, dympnam@ncn.ie or

info@ncn.ie. Details about accredited training can be found on the NCN

website https://www.ncn.ie/index.php/training/early-years-training-

programmes

Prospective learners ideally should have completed second level

education or at least 4 mandatory programme modules at Level 4 in

Early Childhood Education & Care Support. However if you wish to

discuss any aspect of your access to our training programme please

call in to the Training Office or email us at one of the above email

addresses. We will be happy to discuss your training needs

Where the learner is accessing the Level 6 Programme

Prospective learners will preferably have completed QQI level 5 Major Award in

Early Childhood Care and Education or equivalent or have at least 2 years work

experience in Early Childhood in an approved setting

Learners who have no previous qualifications in this area, will be interviewed as

part of the application process to ascertain their ability to study at this level and

to eliminate any unnecessary barriers to accessing this course

It is expected that the learner will have a range of learning styles;

strengths and needs related to the programme and will have a genuine

interest and commitment to working with babies and young children.

Learners should have the capacity to take responsibility for his/her own

learning within the managed environment provided by National

Childhood Network.

TRANSFER

Should the learner feel challenged by studying at QQI level 6 then there is the

possibility of them transferring to the major award at QQI level 5 5M2007

programme if they have not already completed this award.

Staff will meet with learners and discuss alternative courses for the learner with

other providers. Other appropriate QQI level 5 courses available through the

ETB locally to include but not limited to:

QQI level 5 Applied Social Studies 5M4468

QQI Level 5 Certificate in Community Care 5M2786

NCN will assist all learners with their transfer options, should they wish

or have to transfer to another programme or provider. Through our

networking we have developed excellent working partnerships with

other training organisations. Please do not struggle if you have a

requirement to transfer - please contact our helpdesk for sign-posting

and advice.

PROGESSION

Learners can progress to Degree level Early Years programmes and in some

cases may gain advanced entry to year 2 of these programmes with selected

higher education institutions.

NCN has developed strong links with both the Dundalk Institute of Technology

(DKIT) and the Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB) in its efforts to

promote learner progression. Available progression courses at these institutions

include:

Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT)

BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies (fulltime undergraduate programme level

8)

Institute of Technology Blanchardstown (ITB)

Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Care and Education (BN030) (fulltime

undergraduate programme level 7)

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Early Childhood Care and Education (BN118)

(fulltime undergraduate programme level 8)

It is with great pride that NCN observe student’s progress to higher level

and alternative training programmes. We will at all times research the

best possible options for you to progress with your training and career

in the early childhood sector.

NATIONAL CHILDHOOD NETWORK – PLAGIARISM POLICY STATEMENT

The National Childhood Network is committed to fair assessment procedures for all learners. Our Plagiarism statement is designed to help learners in understanding what plagiarism is and how to avoid it in their work Objectives The objectives of this Plagiarism policy are:

To define Plagiarism

To heighten awareness among learners what constitutes Plagiarism and the serious importance that NCN attach to the matter

Define NCN’s rights and responsibilities

Outline to learners their rights and responsibilities

Provide an effective procedure for dealing with Plagiarism

To advise on how to avoid Plagiarism Scope of the policy statement: This policy applies to all examination and coursework material produced by learners during their studies with National Childhood Network For the purpose of this document, the following definition of plagiarism applies: “Plagiarism is the presentation of someone else’s ideas, arguments, concepts or work as your own by failing to reference or acknowledge it properly” Some examples of plagiarism: Using ideas, arguments, texts and research of another and submitting it as your own work. Copying, without acknowledging, published works from internet, books, journals or other sources Copying work from the internet, books, journals or other sources and submitting them as your own Submitting work completed by a third party (colleagues, family, etc.) and passing it off as your own Copying work that was previously submitted and re-submitting it as your own Cutting and pasting work from any source to your own work. Changing a few words within a copied piece of text does not render the work original and still counts as plagiarism.

National Childhood Network (NCN) has the responsibility to: Stress to the learners the unethical nature of plagiarism. Ensure learners have the knowledge and skills required to enable them to cite and reference appropriately. Monitor and check learner’s assessments and coursework for plagiarism Electronically process learner’s submissions for plagiarism, including internet plagiarism, if deemed necessary. Ensure that any procedures implemented in relation to an incident of plagiarism, are applied with fairness and integrity Maintain the integrity and quality of all examination and assessment criteria within NCN QA Policies and Procedures Ensure fairness and consistency in all aspects of examination and assessment of learners. Every learner has a responsibility to: Take responsibility for their own work Make themselves aware of the NCN Policy Statement on Plagiarism Sign the receipt for each piece of assessment submitted. By signing the receipt, the learner is acknowledging that the content of that assessment is their own original work Familiarise themselves with the definition and the use of referencing correctly To ensure the words and arguments of others are appropriately cited and referenced using an accepted referencing system such as the Harvard referencing system. Procedure for dealing with suspected incidents of Plagiarism: NCN will interview individually any learner involved in an alleged case of Plagiarism Sanctions: If plagiarism is detected, the following sanctions may be applied: Zero grading on the particular assessment/ coursework or part of the particular assessment/coursework. Other forms of assessment/coursework undertaken in the particular academic period may also be declared void if this is considered appropriate or necessary. Other sanctions as may be deemed appropriate. “Other sanctions” may well include the suspension of the learner from the programme

NCN Student Complaints Form

Name:

Programme Enrolled On:

Date:

Nature of complaint (please document the exact detail of your complaint)

(Please use additional sheets if required)

Signed:

Please forward your complaint directly to the Training Development Officer at NCN.

We will contact you with our findings as soon as possible and in the meantime we

will keep you updated at every stage of our investigations.

NCN Student Complaints Form

Corrective Action Plan

Signed...........................................................................

Complainant

Signed..........................................................................

Training Development Officer

Date:

STUDENT INDUCTION SHEET

Name of Tutor:

Venue:

Start Date:

Days/Time Class takes place:

Name of Module:

Overall Award

Duration of Each Class:

Assessment Timeframe:

Have the aims of the module been properly explained to you Y/N

(Please add any comments)

Has the NCN Assessment Process and timeframe been explained to

you?

Y/N (Please add any comments)

Are you aware of how this module fits into the Qualification?

Framework Y/N

Has National Childhood Network’s Plagiarism Policy Statement been read

to you, and do you fully understand it ? Y/N

I confirm that I have been adequately informed about this course and that

any additional need has been considered

Signed: Tutor………………………………………

Student…………………………………….

Date………………………………………..

STUDENT/TUTOR MID COURSE PROGRESS REPORT

Tutor to complete with Student – both parties to sign

Student

Name...................................................................................................................

Tutor

Name..................................................................................................................

Name of

Module................................................................................................................

Start Date...........................................End Date.................................................

Please talk through any issues that are causing the student concern:

ISSUE COMMENT

ATTENDANCE

PARTICIPATION IN CLASS

PROGRESS WITH ASSIGNMENTS, EXAMS, SKILLS DEMONSTRATIONS OR LEARNER DIARY

ISSUES ARISING

.

Is the way the course is being delivered by the tutor easy to understand?

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

If course delivery can be improved please state how?

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

Do you have adequate resources to help you complete this course?

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................

Tutor

Signature............................................................Date........................................

Student

Signature............................................................Date........................................

PROGRAMME EVALUATION

Date of Name of Course/Training: Course:

POOR SATISFACTORY GOOD EXCELLENT

The Trainer/ Facilitator

How well were the

course objectives met?

Relevance to personal/ work situation

Effectiveness of instruction

Presentation style & techniques

2. Was the pace of the programme?

Too Fast About Right Too Slow

3. Was the duration of the programme?

Too Fast About Right Too Slow

4. Were there sufficient opportunities to ask questions and discuss issues?

Yes

Comment _____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

No

5. Were the teaching methods used wholly appropriate to your needs? Yes

Comment

_____________________________________________

_____________________________________________

6. Were your personal expectations for the programme met?

Yes

7. Were the programme objectives met?

Yes

8. Will you be able to use the knowledge & skills gained in your work settings?

Yes

Comment

9. Good Features of the programme

Comment

10. Poor Features of the programme

Comment

11. How could the programme be improved?

Comment

12. Overall, how would you rate the programme?

Excellent Poor 5 4 3 2 1

Signed:____________ Date: EVALUATION rev 0

No

No

No

No

Appendix 1

The following self-directed and directed learning hours have been agreed as part of our legacy QA

agreement with QQI

This programme is offered to the learner on a part time basis and has been designed to be sufficiently

flexible so that it may meet the needs of the learner. The programme is based over a total duration of

600 hours - 150 hours per programme module (typical learner effort).

This consists of:-

Directed learning of approximately 90 hours per programme module - to be made up of

36 hours classroom delivery -

30 hours dedicated helpdesk for learners

24 hours continual assessment

Self-directed learning will be approximately 60 hours (or no more than 40% of total learner

engagement time) which will be determined by initial assessment of the learner

Programme Descriptors for each individual programme are available upon request from NCN.