Platform 3 - Frequently asked questions
- What is Platform 3?
Platform 3 is an online learning route for delivering and undertaking the Level 3 accredited qualification: Supporting Children and Young People’s Speech, Language and Communication.
It allows practitioners, from a wide range of backgrounds, to gain a qualification in a vitally important area through an online route of learning, assessment and accreditation. As well as studying online, practitioners can also complete their assessment online, so learners can study and achieve their accreditation at their own pace, in their own time.
- How much does it cost?
The cost to undertake the Level 3 Award through Platform 3 varies depending on which training provider you complete the qualification through. Please have a look at the information about the different training providers offering Platform 3, and contact the training providers directly to enquire about costs by following the links on this page.
- How long will it take to complete the qualification?
Awarding organisations suggest that the number of guided learning hours required to complete the qualification is between 68-73 hours. The duration of the course will also be dependent on the training provider as they may have restrictions on time scales within which learners need to complete the course. Please contact the training providers directly if you have any questions about the duration of the course.
As this is an online route to undertaking the qualification, it has a higher degree of flexibility compared to face-to-face learning in terms of the pace at which you progress through the qualification. You may wish to do more hours some weeks and less on others; it is completely up to you!
- What is involved in completing the qualification through Platform 3?
For successful completion of the Award you must complete three units – two mandatory and one of a choice of four optional units. Each unit is 3 credits, apart from one of the optional units which is 4 credits. To find out more information about the course content please click here. The Award includes learning outcomes and assessment criteria focusing on both skills and knowledge.
Each unit consists of a number of assessed learning outcomes. You will work through a series of slides for each learning outcome and are encouraged to complete activities throughout your learning to put knowledge into practice and prepare for assessed portfolio tasks. A vast range of further information and additional resources are signposted to where appropriate.
In order to gain accreditation, you must develop and submit a portfolio of evidence demonstrating that you have met the assessment criteria.
- How is the course assessed?
You will be required to submit portfolio tasks which are assessed by designated tutors. Platform 3 allows you to upload your work to the online system for tutors to access and provide specific feedback to pieces of work aligned to the assessment criteria.
You will have access to an online private discussions area where you can contact your tutor, and online forums are available to offer peer to peer support with tutor input where appropriate. For quality purposes there is a full audit trail of all communications between learners and tutors as well as the quality assurance processes that are put in place by the training provider and awarding organisation.
- When would I be able to start the qualification?
Platform 3 can be started at any time as there are no designated face to face sessions to attend. The start date will be dependent on assessor availability, which is coordinated by the training provider. You will need to discuss specific start dates with the training provider you have chosen.
- Would I be eligible to complete the qualification?
The qualification is suitable for anyone working with children and young people. It is a Level 3 qualification which is equivalent to A Level standard, so the Award will be appropriate for anyone who feels confident working at this level. As the qualification is knowledge and skills based, learners will need to be working with children and young people in some capacity in order to demonstrate their skills.
The entry requirements will be dependent on the training provider. Some training providers may require learners to complete a written test, so please contact each training provider directly by following the links on this page to find out about their specific entry requirements. As Platform 3 is an online learning route, being computer literate is essential
- I’m interested in undertaking the Level 3 Award through Platform 3, what are the next steps?
We’re delighted to hear that you’re interested in the Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People’s Speech, Language and Communication.
Although the Communication Trust worked with City & Guilds to develop the Award and write the supporting materials, we are not a training provider.
We have been working closely with training providers who are offering the Award using Platform 3 either entirely online or as a blended approach. A full list of the training providers who offer Platform 3 and links to their websites can be found here. The application process for each provider will vary so please contact the training provider directly to find out how to apply and get started with your qualification!