Please use our online enrolment form to register your interest in BTAC’s courses. The BTAC team will contact you as soon as possible with further information.
For information on each course we offer please scroll further down the page to find out more.
Bedford Training and Assessment Centre (BTAC) offers training advice and courses for those working in the childcare profession or wanting a career in childcare.
BTAC is accredited to deliver Early Years, Playwork, Teaching Assistant and Health and Adult Care qualifications at Level 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
Complaints Policy and Procedure (PDF).
BTAC was set up to provide high quality training, that will enable those working directly with young children to develop appropriate skills and qualifications, in a way that meets the diverse needs of an ever-changing workforce.
BTAC is committed to working in partnership with other professionals and organisations to achieve this aim.
BTAC is registered with the Awarding Body CACHE (Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education). Grade 1 awards have been achieved from CACHE every time the centre has been inspected for quality.
BTAC learners can begin training at any time of the year. BTAC caters for each learner as an individual, putting in place extra support when required. Each learner is allocated an assessor who works with them on a 1:1 basis.
These qualifications are designed to help learners build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children and young people from birth to 19 years of age. They cover a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas working in children’s environments including early years, supporting learning and teaching in schools and social care.
Delivery of our qualifications will be by E-Portfolio supported by an assessor. The majority of these qualifications consist of 4 - 5 compulsory workshops, projects, assignments, independent research and assessor observations in your workplace.
Duration 9 to 12 months at Level 2, 15 to 18 months at Level 3 and Level 5.
Please refer to your preferred choice of qualification listed below for further details.
See our page on how courses can be funded and how much they will cost depending on your circumstances
All funding is subject to investigation and review, please contact NVQhelp@Bedford.gov.uk for more information.
Level 1 Award in an Introduction to Early Years Settings
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People's Speech, Language and Communication: On application
Level 3 Award for Special Educational Needs Coordinator in Early Years Settings
Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (QCF): On application
Application Form - NVQhelp@Bedford.gov.uk
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning
Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning
Level 4 Certificate for the Advanced Practitioner in Schools and Colleges
Application form - NVQhelp@Bedford.gov.uk
Level 2 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Playwork (NVQ): On application
Level 3 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Playwork (NVQ): As above
Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork: As above
Application form - NVQhelp@Bedford.gov.uk
BTAC is now offering distance learning courses, please see details below.
Learners will gain knowledge, awareness and understanding of children and young people’s mental health in the following components:
Qualification details for Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health
Learners wanting to actively support individuals with learning disabilities will gain knowledge, awareness and understanding in the following:
Alongside the above objectives there are a variety of optional units that make up a bespoke solution for each learner’s needs and interests. Two knowledge based units must be chosen in additional to the mandatory unit.
Two knowledge based units must be chosen in additional to the mandatory unit.
NFCE CACHE Level 2 Award in Supporting Individuals With Learning Disabilities
Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of the effects, diagnosis, context and methods of support for these conditions:
Qualification details for Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
Learners will gain knowledge, awareness and understanding in the following components of the safeguarding and prevent duties:
Qualification details for Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
Learners interested in teaching assistant or school support workers will gain knowledge, awareness and understanding in the following components:
This Qualification offers direct progression to the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools for learners without a placement in a school setting
Once the learner’s attains a placement in a school environment of 8-10 hours a week, they can progress to the full certificate.
If learners already have a placement it is recommended they access the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
Qualification details for Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (PDF)
See information on our Childminder training course
Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care
Level 2 Diploma in Care: On application
Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care: On application
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce - Social Care Pathway only (PDF): On application
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (PDF): On application
Application form - NVQhelp@Bedford.gov.uk
If you have recently completed your course with BTAC please let us know how we did using our online evaluation form. We are always looking to improve our training and your feedback would be greatly appreciated.
For further information please contact the office on 01234 276339 or email NVQhelp@bedford.gov.uk.
We deliver some courses on behalf of the Bedfordshire Employment and Skills Academy (BESA), part of Central Bedfordshire Council, who provide us with funding. Courses are targeted to support residents in gaining skills relevant to the needs of employers in Bedfordshire or to meet health and well-being needs. Courses are free of charge, subject to eligibility criteria. For more information about the full range of courses and support provided by BESA visit adult learning.
