Early Years Educator Level 3 Course in Kensington and Chelsea. Classes run at Morley College London North Kensington Campus, part-time during the day. This level 3 early years educator course runs over 35 weeks. You'll need to complete 350 hours in a childcare placement alongside your classes, around 12 hours or two days a week. The course covers working with children from birth to five years old, with knowledge of children aged five to seven. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work.
Who this course is for
The aim of this qualification is to prepare you to become Early Years Educators and qualifies you to work in a supervisory role within a nursery. On successful completion of the course, you will be able to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. The course requires you to be in a placement or work within a childcare setting for 350 hours (12 hours or 2 days a week). You need to demonstrate competence in working with babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. You will be assessed in the workplace by a qualified assessor who will support you in achieving this. Please note that to fully qualify, Level 3 Early Years Educators will need a Level 2 in English and maths. Therefore, you will need to have achieved GCSE English and maths at Grade 4-9 (A*-C) or equivalent Level 2 qualifications, including Functional Skills. You will study all aspects of early years practice from keeping children safe to legislation. You will cover in detail different the theories of learning that underpin the Early Years Foundation Framework and how to develop children in each of these areas, including social and emotional development and emergent literacy skills. This course is suitable for adults (19+). School leavers (16-18 years old) can do the same qualification over two years.
Entry requirements
GCSE English & maths Grades A*-C / 4-9 or Level 2 equivalent is desirable, plus a Level 2 in early years or equivalent. An additional requirement is to pass a criminal record check (through the Disclosure and Barring Service). You will need good spoken and written English to take the course and an interest in working with children. If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Test
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to seven years, with a focus on the birth-to-five range.
You'll learn how to plan and support play, learning, and development activities for young children.
You'll understand how to keep children safe, including safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities.
You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress and development.
You'll develop skills in supporting children's communication, language, and literacy.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
You'll understand the legal frameworks and policies that govern early years settings.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Morley College London North Kensington Campus, combined with 350 hours of practical placement in a childcare setting. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice in the workplace, and professional discussions. You'll need to demonstrate competence working with babies, toddlers, and pre-school children as part of your assessment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Morley College London North Kensington Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to five in a nursery setting.
Room leader: taking a supervisory role within an early years room.
Key person: assigned lead for a group of children in a nursery.
Pre-school practitioner: supporting learning and play in a pre-school.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception class.
Childminder: registered self-employed care for children in your home.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or a Foundation Degree in Early Years: moves you toward management or leadership roles in early years settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree: a full undergraduate route for those wanting to deepen their knowledge or move into advisory, research, or specialist roles.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via an Early Years Initial Teacher Training programme: the route to becoming a qualified early years teacher.
