Free Early Years Educator Level 3 Course in Newcastle upon Tyne. Classes run at West Gate Community College, part-time during the day. You'll study child development, play, learning, and care for babies and young children from birth to five years. The course takes 18 months to complete. If you don't already hold GCSE maths and English at grade 4 or above, you'll work toward Functional Skills Level 2 alongside the main qualification. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work.
Who this course is for
This course is for anyone aged 19+ who is working or would like to work with babies and young children from birth to 5 years. It will prepare you to enter employment or you could use it as a stepping stone to higher education courses. Working with young children is challenging and requires sensitivity, patience and the ability to work well with others.
Entry requirements
You must be at least 16 years old. If you don't already hold GCSE maths and English qualifications at grade 4 (C) or above you will work towards the equivalent Functional Skills Level 2 qualification during the course as this is a requirement for Level 3 Early Years staff.
What you will learn
You'll understand how babies and young children develop from birth to five years.
You'll learn how to plan and support play and learning activities.
You'll develop skills in observing and assessing children's progress.
You'll learn how to keep children safe and promote their health and wellbeing.
You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll learn about inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
You'll develop knowledge of safeguarding legislation and your responsibilities within it.
How you will learn
You'll attend classroom-based sessions at West Gate Community College during the day. Learning is assessed through a combination of written assignments, observations in an early years setting, and a portfolio of evidence. You'll need to complete placement hours working directly with children as part of the qualification. If you need to work toward Functional Skills Level 2 in maths and English, that will be built into your study programme.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. West Gate Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged birth to five in a nursery setting.
Room leader: leading a room or age-group within a nursery.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception or pre-school class.
Childminder: registered self-employed childcare for children in your home.
Sure Start or family support worker: community-based early years support roles.
Playgroup or pre-school worker: sessional care and learning for young children.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Early Years Workforce: moves you toward senior practitioner and management roles in early years settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree (Level 6): a full undergraduate route, often available through universities in the North East.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to specialise in teaching children from birth to five, requiring a degree-level programme.
