Free Early Years Educator Level 3 Course in Lewisham. Classes run at Deptford Adult Learning, with a mix of online study and time at the centre. You'll need to be working, volunteering, or on a practical placement throughout, as the qualification requires you to demonstrate skills in a real work environment. The course covers child development, health and safety, communication, and supporting children's learning from birth to age 19. It runs part-time over approximately 389 hours. Level 3 is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work.
Who this course is for
This course is for adults who want to develop the knowledge and practical skills required to work with children from birth to five years and gain a recognised Level 3 early years qualification. It is suitable for learners working, volunteering or undertaking a placement in an early years setting and those seeking to progress their career in the early years sector.
Entry requirements
Learners must be aged 19 or over. You will complete an initial assessment in English, maths and digital skills and an Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) session before enrolment. You should have, or be working towards, Level 2 English and maths and have the digital skills needed to complete the course. You must have access to a suitable early years setting through employment, volunteering or a placement to complete the practical requirements of the qualification.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 19 years.
You'll learn how to support children's learning and development in early years settings.
You'll understand health, safety, and safeguarding responsibilities when working with children.
You'll learn how to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
You'll develop skills across a range of settings, including social care environments.
You'll demonstrate competence through assessed practice in your workplace or placement.
How you will learn
Learning is blended: you'll combine online study with daytime sessions at Deptford Adult Learning. Assessment covers both knowledge and practical competence, so you'll need to be in a work, volunteering, or placement setting throughout the course. Assessment methods include observation in the workplace, written assignments, and professional discussion. You'll have an initial assessment before you start, and an Information, Advice and Guidance session to plan your learning.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Deptford Adult Learning will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need access to a suitable work, volunteering, or placement setting with children and young people. If you have no previous experience working with children, the provider recommends completing around 400 hours in a work environment.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to five in a nursery setting.
Room leader: leading a group room in a day nursery or pre-school.
Early years keyworker: supporting individual children's development and welfare.
Childminder: running your own registered childcare from home.
Pre-school assistant: supporting learning in a pre-school or playgroup.
Children's centre worker: delivering family support and early education services.
School nursery nurse: supporting early years provision in a primary school setting.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or Early Years: moves you toward senior practitioner or management roles.
Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those wanting to specialise further or move into advisory, research, or teaching roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those wanting to lead learning and development in early years settings as a qualified teacher.
