Early Years Educator Level 3 Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You learn while working, volunteering, or on a practical placement with children from birth to age 5. The course takes around 18 months and covers child development, safeguarding, and practice with young children. You'll need a minimum of 350 placement hours and support from a professional in your setting. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work in England. You'll also need Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths to count in those ratios.
Who this course is for
What does the qualification cover?
The CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. Upon achievement of this qualification, it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators.
Who is it suitable for?
This qualification is suitable for a range of learners, either working or wishing to work at a supervisory level in the children and young people's workforce.
Aim suitable as a Main Aim or Technical Certificate within an Apprenticeship
Applicants should have or achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in English and mathematics upon achieving this qualification in order to be counted in the staff:child ratios.
Entry requirements
You will be working, volunteering, or on practical placement to show competence in both knowledge & skills. A minimum of 350 placement hours required. During placement, learners will need support from a professional within the real work environment who will be required to complete professional development records.
All learners who achieve an Early Years Educator qualification will need Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths to count in the ratios at level 3 in childcare settings.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 7 years.
You'll learn how to plan and deliver activities that support children's learning and development.
You'll understand safeguarding, child protection, and your responsibilities in a childcare setting.
You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll develop skills in supporting children's communication, language, and literacy.
You'll understand health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
How you will learn
You learn through your work placement or employment in an early years setting. A professional in your workplace supports you and completes professional development records throughout the course. Assessment covers both knowledge and practical competence. You'll need to complete a minimum of 350 placement hours to demonstrate your skills in a real work environment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Train Together will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
Room leader: leading a room or age-group within a nursery.
Key person: taking lead responsibility for a group of key children.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception or Year 1 class.
Childminder: running your own registered childcare provision at home.
Family support worker: working with families and young children in community settings.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or an Early Years Teacher Status programme, if you want to move into a senior or leadership role in an early years setting.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training, useful if you want to teach or train others in childcare.
A degree in Early Childhood Education or a related subject, leading to Qualified Teacher Status.
