Course summary

If you are already working within the children/young people and family services sector this new practice-focused Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ) has been specially developed by the University of Bedfordshire to allow you to upskill and take your career to the next level. This course gives you the specific training knowledge and skills needed to work in a professional role supporting children young people and families in need across a range of settings including residential and in the community. The course has a strong emphasis on work-based and simulated learning building skills and enhancing your learner development. You are able to reflect on your experience and practice which helps you to improve your support and your client’s experience leading to better outcomes in the long term. What is a Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ)? HTQs are a new qualification equivalent to a HND and approved by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education. This Level 4 HTQ meets the occupational standards for the sector and after successfully completing the course you have the specific training knowledge and skills required of a children young people and families practitioner. Why choose this course

• It covers both theory and practice in real and simulated environments allowing you to develop the occupational skills and behaviours you need for the role

• It places services within their social political economic and cultural contexts so you are better positioned to offer a range of approaches

• It is delivered by the University’s School of Applied Social Sciences which has a strong history of training professionals to work with children youth and families

• Our external partners – which include voluntary and statutory agencies working in the sector - contribute to the course delivery providing support additional specialist knowledge and experience

• It is designed and delivered in partnership with local employers and users of the service offering a practice-led and competency-based curriculum built on professional codes of ethical conduct and the statutory guidance on safeguarding children and young people

• Staff who teach the course are research-active regularly publishing in areas including step-parenting; fatherhood; school exclusion; sex and relationship education; and youth work. Their research knowledge feeds into your learning

• You learn a range of transferable skills including problem-solving; decision-making; having professional conversations; and presenting arguments

• The course is an ideal way to upskill and take on more responsibility or to change direction to fill skills shortages and workforce gaps in another role

• It opens the way to progressing on to the Level 5 Children Young People and Families Manager FdA Higher Technical Qualification