Early Years Educator Level 3 Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working in a nursery or early years setting, building the skills and knowledge needed for a senior practitioner role. The course takes around 15 months and is assessed through written work, professional discussion, and workplace observation. Note: Ofsted nursery staffing rules require Level 3 practitioners to hold Level 2 maths and English qualifications. You'll need to meet that English standard to enrol.
Who this course is for
Preparation and qualification for a senior role within a nursery setting. N.B. OFSTED Nursery rules require Level 3 practitioners to hold Level 2 maths and English qualifications to be employed in that capacity.
It is a course to provide the necessary skills and competence to become fully qualified Early Years / Nursery worker. The course is achieved through a process of proving knowledge and competence in - written form, professional discussion and observation. We offer a very flexible one to one delivery method which allows us to work around a student's other commitments. We think it particularly suits returners to the workforce once their children are in school. What we call "My Time"
Entry requirements
No prior qualifications although experience assists but candidates require a good level of English assessed at Level 2
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years and beyond.
You'll learn how to plan and deliver activities that support children's learning and development.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll learn how to support children's health, wellbeing, and nutritional needs.
You'll develop skills in observing, assessing, and recording children's progress.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
You'll understand the legal and statutory frameworks that govern early years settings.
How you will learn
This is a work-based course. You learn on the job in your early years setting. Assessment takes three forms: written tasks to demonstrate knowledge, professional discussions with your assessor, and direct observation of your practice in the workplace. There are no classroom sessions. Your assessor will visit you at work to carry out observations and reviews throughout the 15-month programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Riverside Learning & Education Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: senior room practitioner counted in Ofsted ratios
Room leader: leading a room within a nursery setting
Key person: dedicated key worker for a group of children
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception class
Nursery manager (with further experience): overseeing a nursery setting
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or Early Years: moves you toward management and leadership roles in early years settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree (BA): a university-level route for those interested in research, policy, or senior practice roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to specialise in teaching children from birth to five.
