Free Early Years Educator Level 3 Course in Richmond. Classes run at Richmond Adult Learning and Skills Service, part-time during the day, so you can fit study around other commitments. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the Level 3 is the right starting point, and the centre will use it to plan your learning. The course covers child development, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, and how to support learning in early years settings. It takes 24 months to complete. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work in England.
Who this course is for
This qualification is suitable for a range of learners, either working or wishing to work in early years education and care. Learners are required to be aged 19 years or over.
Entry requirements
To be eligible for funding for courses you must be over 19 years of age as at 31st August in the current academic year and not be an apprentice.
What you will learn
You'll understand how children develop from birth to five, and beyond.
You'll learn how to plan and deliver activities that support children's learning.
You'll study safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore how to support children's health, wellbeing, and nutrition.
You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll study inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
You'll develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Richmond Adult Learning and Skills Service. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice in an early years setting, and a portfolio of evidence. You'll need access to a suitable placement or workplace setting to complete the practice-based elements of the qualification. The centre will guide you through what this involves.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Richmond Adult Learning and Skills Service will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working directly with children in a nursery setting
Room leader: leading a room or age-group within a nursery
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in Reception or pre-school
Childminder: registered self-employed childcare in your own home
Forest school assistant: outdoor early years learning environments
Sure Start or family centre worker: community-based early years support
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Early Years Profession: moves you toward senior practitioner or management roles in early years settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree (BA): university-level study for those wanting to deepen their knowledge or move into advisory, research, or specialist roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice and work toward qualified teacher recognition in early years.
