Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) - Level 3 Diploma

This course will prepare you to become an Early Years Educator, enabling you to work with, and care for children from birth to 5 years. You'll also gain knowledge essential to caring for children aged 5 to 7 years.

In addition to completing knowledge and skill-based units, you will complete 350 hours of work experience in an Early Years placement. During your placement, you will complete a longitudinal study and two visits will be made by an assessor to assess your competency.

Topics can include:

• Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through the provision of food and nutrition 
• Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through exercise
• Supporting physical care routines for children  
• Promoting children’s emotional well-being 
• Understanding how to support children who are unwell
• Understanding legislation relating to the safeguarding, protection and welfare of children 
• Using legislation relating to the health and safety of children  
• Engaging in professional development
• Understanding the value of play in Early Years 
• How to plan, lead and review play opportunities which support children’s learning and development 
• Promoting enabling play environments 
• Developing children’s emergent literacy skills 
• Developing children’s emergent mathematical skills  
• Using longitudinal studies to observe, assess and plan for children’s needs

You will need:

• 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths or equivalent Level 2 qualification with Functional Skills at Level 2 in English
• Enhanced DBS Check - we are able to advise you on how to apply for this, but you must pay for this in advance of work placements

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

Assessment is carried out in the workplace by a qualified assessor and you will also be required to produce a portfolio of evidence.

Adults - Level 3

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. If you are older, or already have a Level 3, we have many other Level 3 courses that are also free to study. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, such as a Foundation Degree, an apprenticeship or other employment in the sector.

With a journey spanning over two decades, Jennifer embarked on her childcare career in 1999, obtaining a Level 3 Certificate that laid the groundwork for her career path. Progressing to the role of Nursery Manager in 2005, Jennifer showcased leadership by successfully establishing a nursery. Over the subsequent 15 years until 2020, she excelled in team management, staff development, and personalized child education.  The responsibilities as Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead underlined her commitment to well-being.

Furthering Jennifer’s education, she earned a degree in Early Childhood Studies in 2013 and completed a PGCE program in 2018, emphasizing her dedication to learning and pedagogy. Joining Capital City Group meant sharing expertise, teaching Cache courses from Level 1 to Level 3, and gaining a Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement in 2020, highlighting her commitment to growth.

As a Lecturer in Childcare at City and Islington College, Jennifer now shapes future educators, drawing from her extensive experience. Jennifer’s journey underscores continuous learning, collaboration, and a nurturing environment for students and children. In over two decades, her dedication has significantly impacted childcare and education, demonstrating the value of lifelong learning and steadfast commitment.

The teachers listed may change, these shown are an example of the teachers who teach on these programmes.