This document provides guidance and expectations for students completing a work placement as part of their early years education qualification. It outlines that students will spend 200 hours in a real childcare setting to gain practical experience working with children from birth to 7 years old. The placement objectives are to develop skills in childcare roles and responsibilities, teamwork, communication, working with parents, and understanding career paths. Students are expected to behave professionally by attending regularly, having a positive attitude, maintaining confidentiality, and communicating appropriately. The document provides advice on professional conduct, health and safety policies, setting expectations, and reminds students to enjoy and make the most of their placement experience.

1. PLACEMENT
EXPECTATIONS
Assessors: Helen Gordon/TheresaAdams
Helen.gordon@westherts.ac.uk
07872 006522
Theresa.adams@westherts.ac.uk
07920 234301

2. Cache Level 2 Certificate in an
Introduction to EarlyYears Education
■ Real work environment to gain experience working with
children from birth to 7 years (200 hours)
■ Put into practise your theory (knowledge from the
classroom) into the childcare setting and develop your
confidence and competency - you will embed all your
study units throughout the year.
■ You cannot achieve your qualification and licence to
practise without your work placement experience.

3. Work Placement Objectives
■ To gain experience of the roles and responsibilities of
a childcare practitioner.
■ Opportunities to work alongside professional teams.
■ To develop communication and team working skills.
■ Understand the importance of working with parents.
■ Understand the importance of confidentiality.
■ An insight into your career path.

4. Student Code of Conduct
■ Good attendance and punctuality –
you will be required to make up
missed hours in your own time!
■ Positive attitude - smile, be
enthusiastic, interact and
communicate with the children
■ Safeguarding – if you have concerns
regarding the safety or well being of
the children, in line with the setting
policies and procedures you should
report your concerns to the nominated
member of staff.
■ Confidentiality – anything you hear
in the setting whether regarding
clients, parents, students or staff is
confidential!
■ Communication – ask if unsure, appropriate
language with children
■ Absence - If you’re are absent it is YOUR
responsibility to inform both your placement
and college.
■ Placement Log, this will need to be signed
by your supervisor daily & be brought each
day into college.
■ Assessments – set by teachers and
assessors, keep supervisor informed. Obtain
permission from parents for observations
■ Speak up – if you have any worries ensure
you speak with your personal tutor/assessor
or one of the work placement team.
■ Do not stop attending unless you have
permission from College to do so – could
lead to a disciplinary!

5. Before you start……….
■ You will receive placement
confirmation via the
placement office.
– Non starting/non-
attendance will lead to
disciplinary
■ Contact the placement and
introduce yourself
■ You maybe asked to
attend a pre-visit
■ Questions to ask placement
■ Confirm start and finish times (7 working
hours + 1 hour break) e.g 8.30 – 4.30
■ Dress code (HEC Polo-shirt, but what to
wear before it arrives)
– appropriate trousers/skirt and
footwear. Nails – short nails, no
acrylics. Jewellery – minimum, no
hoops, facial piercing’s should be
removed or covered
■ What ID will you need to bring?
– Student card
– DBS check

6. Preparation
■ Check your route to placement
and leave enough time to arrive
on time
■ Ensure you have your
placement contact details
stored in your phone, so you
can let them know if you are
running late
■ Placement log book – daily
signatures. This is your proof of
placement hours!!!! And will be
checked by assessor and tutor!
■ Check if you need to take
your own lunch or if you can
purchase lunch locally
■ Look online at the placement
website to understand the
type of environment you will
be working in

7. On arrival
■ Introduce yourself
■ Find out who is your supervisor
■ Familiarise yourself with the signing in
and out procedures
■ Make yourself familiar with the Policies
and Procedures in the setting, ie
emergency evacuation
■ Ask when and where you can take your
breaks
■ Ask where you can store your bag and
mobile phone safely
■ No chewing gum and personal food is not
allowed in the children’s rooms.Water bottles
allowed, but check first!
■ No Smoking on or near placement
■ Mobile phones, Ipads etc are to be switched
off and put away during placement hours.

8. Working practice
■ Get to know the routine in the setting
■ Use your initiative – setting/clearing
up
■ If unsure – ask for clarification
■ Ensure you discuss with your
supervisor and staff members any
college tasks you are required to do.
■ Ensure you liaise with assessor and
your placement regarding your
observation visits!
■ Obtain consent from parents for
observations
.
• If you have any concerns or questions about your
placement please speak with your tutor/assessor
or work placement co-ordinator.
• Confidentiality – anything you hear in the setting
whether regarding clients, parents, students or
staff is confidential!
• The college will make telephone checks as well
as your Assessors visits and any concerns or
student absence will be reported.

9. Work Placement Reminders
 Be on time and attend placement on
required day.
 Wear appropriate clothing & footwear.
 Always be polite & co-operative.
 Try & use your initiative, learn the
routine & respond accordingly.
 Show an interest in what's happening in
the setting & being asked of you.
 Always be prepared for assessments.
 If you are unable to complete an assessment, always
let your assessor know – we won’t be happy to have a
wasted journey!
 Make sure your setting knows what you need to
achieve. Look after your paperwork!
 Remember at the end of placements to thank those
you have worked with.
 You are an ambassador whilst in placement of,
West Herts College, the School of Care & Early
Years and of yourselves.
 A successful placement could lead to part or full
time work
 They could provide you with a reference that will
lead to employment or be used in personal
statements for University.

10. Finally………
ENJOY!
You will get out of placement
what you put in!