Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Canterbury. Classes run at Canterbury College. You'll study full-time during the day, covering the knowledge and practical skills needed to work with children from birth to five years. The course runs for 44 weeks. It covers child development, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, and how to plan and support early learning. This level 3 childcare and education qualification is recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work in England.
Who this course is for
Gain the knowledge and skills to become an Early Years Educator and work with children from birth to five years with our part time Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) course for Adults.
What you will learn
You'll develop your understanding of child development from birth to five years.
You'll learn how to plan and deliver activities that support early learning.
You'll study safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
You'll explore health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.
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 the legal and statutory frameworks that govern early years settings.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Canterbury College, combining taught content with practical application. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice with children, and professional discussions. You'll build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your competence across the qualification. An initial assessment will confirm that Level 3 is the right starting point for you and help plan your learning.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Canterbury 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 an early years setting.
Early years educator: counted in statutory staffing ratios in England.
Childminder: registered self-employed care for children in your home.
Pre-school assistant: supporting learning in playgroup or pre-school settings.
Sure Start or family centre worker: community-based early years support roles.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare: moves you toward senior or management roles in early years settings.
Level 6 Early Childhood Studies degree: a full degree route for those wanting to specialise further or move into advisory, research, or leadership roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice and work toward qualified teacher recognition in early years.
