Free Early Years Educator Level 3 Course in Pickering. Evening classes run at Atmosphere Centre for Young People, so you can fit study around work or other commitments. You'll need to be aged 19 or over to be eligible for funding. The course covers child development, safeguarding, learning through play, and supporting children's health and wellbeing. It takes around 24 months part-time. 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, further eligibility may be linked to where you live and we will check that at enrolment stage and may contact
What you will learn
You'll understand how children develop from birth to five years, and beyond.
You'll learn how to plan and lead play-based learning activities.
You'll know how to keep children safe, including safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
You'll support children's communication, language, and literacy development.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll understand children's health, wellbeing, and nutritional needs.
You'll know how to observe and assess children's progress and development.
You'll understand the legal frameworks and policies that govern early years settings.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Atmosphere Centre for Young People. 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 work setting to complete the practice-based elements of the qualification. The centre will guide you through what's required at each stage.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Atmosphere Centre for Young People will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working directly with children aged 0 to 5
Room leader: leading a room or age-group in a nursery setting
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in Reception or pre-school
Childminder: running your own registered childcare from home
Playgroup worker: supporting children in community play settings
Forest school assistant: outdoor learning with young children
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Early Years Profession: moves you toward senior practitioner or manager roles in nursery settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those interested in research, policy, or specialist practice.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): a postgraduate route for those who want to lead learning in early years settings, equivalent to Qualified Teacher Status for the early years age range.
