Early years education is crucial because it lays the foundation for lifelong learning and development. During these formative years, children develop essential cognitive, social, and emotional skills that shape their future academic and personal success. Quality early education fosters curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning, while also helping children build resilience and adaptability. By providing a supportive and stimulating environment, early education helps children develop the confidence and skills needed to navigate future challenges and opportunities.
Early Years
Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)
Study Mode
Part Time
Start Date, Location
May 2025, Flexible
Duration
2 years
Cost
£4670.00
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Course Overview
More information
What will I learn?
Early education is too important to be left to chance. A high-quality early years curriculum is particularly important as not all children get the same start in life. A strong foundation for children in their early years sets them up for success later in life. To deliver a high-quality early years curriculum, practitioners need to understand how children develop and learn, so they can plan the next steps in their learning. Children must be provided with opportunities to develop their executive function skills, which are one of the best predictors of a child’s later success.
The aim of this qualification is to prepare learners to become early years educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to five years and gain knowledge of children aged five to seven years.
This qualification is recognised by Ofsted as meeting their standards for to count in the ratio as an Early Years Educator
There are 10 mandatory units to complete, each one provides learners with an in-depth level of knowledge-based learning and skills-based outcomes. Learners will be observed by an assessor in their workplace carrying out a diverse range of activities and tasks.
The aim of this qualification is to prepare learners to become early years educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to five years and gain knowledge of children aged five to seven years.
This qualification is recognised by Ofsted as meeting their standards for to count in the ratio as an Early Years Educator
There are 10 mandatory units to complete, each one provides learners with an in-depth level of knowledge-based learning and skills-based outcomes. Learners will be observed by an assessor in their workplace carrying out a diverse range of activities and tasks.
Entry Requirements
To enrol on this course applicants must:
• Have been working in an early years setting for at least 1 year
• Must be working a minimum of 4 days a week from 9am to 3pm or equivalent
• Must have achieved GCSE Grade C/4 or above, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent in English.
Prior to enrolling on this course applicants will be asked to complete a written piece of work which will be discussed at interview. Interviews take place at one of our main campuses (Chippenham, Trowbridge or Salisbury) or on Teams.
This course has three yearly start dates May, September and January.
• Have been working in an early years setting for at least 1 year
• Must be working a minimum of 4 days a week from 9am to 3pm or equivalent
• Must have achieved GCSE Grade C/4 or above, Functional Skills Level 2 or equivalent in English.
Prior to enrolling on this course applicants will be asked to complete a written piece of work which will be discussed at interview. Interviews take place at one of our main campuses (Chippenham, Trowbridge or Salisbury) or on Teams.
This course has three yearly start dates May, September and January.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
All units are assessed using a range of methods including direct observations in the workplace, written assignments, work products and professional discussions. Learners will be assigned an assessor who will support them throughout their qualification and will visit them in the workplace to observe their practice.
The 10 mandatory units for this qualification are:
Unit 1 Introduction to the role of the early years educator
Unit 2 Holistic child development
Unit 3 Children with special educational needs and disabilities
Unit 4 Effective communication in an early years setting
Unit 5 Safeguarding and welfare requirements
Unit 6 Health, wellbeing and safety
Unit 7 Promoting an effective early years curriculum
Unit 8 Assessment of children’s learning and development
Unit 9 Understanding play for learning and holistic development
Unit 10 Partnership working
On completion of this qualification, you will achieve the Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)
This is a regulated qualification. The regulated number for this qualification is 610/4164/6.
Learners will use an e-portfolio for the duration of their course. Access to a lap-top, computer or other device with Internet, camera and audio is required. Learners will not be able to complete this course on a phone or small tablet due to the different types of assessments that must be completed.
The 10 mandatory units for this qualification are:
Unit 1 Introduction to the role of the early years educator
Unit 2 Holistic child development
Unit 3 Children with special educational needs and disabilities
Unit 4 Effective communication in an early years setting
Unit 5 Safeguarding and welfare requirements
Unit 6 Health, wellbeing and safety
Unit 7 Promoting an effective early years curriculum
Unit 8 Assessment of children’s learning and development
Unit 9 Understanding play for learning and holistic development
Unit 10 Partnership working
On completion of this qualification, you will achieve the Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)
This is a regulated qualification. The regulated number for this qualification is 610/4164/6.
Learners will use an e-portfolio for the duration of their course. Access to a lap-top, computer or other device with Internet, camera and audio is required. Learners will not be able to complete this course on a phone or small tablet due to the different types of assessments that must be completed.
Additional Costs and Information
The cost of this course is £4670 which can be funded through a Learner Loan. All applicants will be assessed as funding may be available to cover the cost of the course.
There are no additional costs or resources required for this qualification however learners may wish to purchase books to support their learning. The Learning Resource Centres in each of our Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury campuses have a wide range of books and resources that learners can access.
The duration of this course is 2 years but can be completed quicker should learners wish.
There are no additional costs or resources required for this qualification however learners may wish to purchase books to support their learning. The Learning Resource Centres in each of our Chippenham, Trowbridge and Salisbury campuses have a wide range of books and resources that learners can access.
The duration of this course is 2 years but can be completed quicker should learners wish.
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