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Free Level 3 Childcare Course in Clacton-on-Sea – Clacton Coastal Academy

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Clacton-on-Sea. Classes run at Clacton Coastal Academy, full-time during the day. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including a grade C in Childcare, to join. The course takes two years and includes 750 hours of compulsory work placement in early years settings. You'll need a DBS check before placement begins. This is a coursework-based qualification with high expectations around dedication and independent work. It prepares you to work as a nursery practitioner and qualifies you to practise in the early years sector.

Who this course is for

This course enables the learner to gain a variety of skills, knowledge and understanding to leave CCA with a qualification that gives them license to practice in the early years sector.

This is a coursework based qualification where high expectations and dedication is needed.

There will be a compulsory 750 hours of work placement and all students will complete a DBS (police check) prior to being able to start the course.

Entry requirements

5 Grade 4+, including a C in Childcare.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years and beyond.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support play and learning activities for young children.
  • You'll understand how to keep children safe, including safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities.
  • You'll study how to observe, assess, and record children's progress.
  • You'll learn how to support children's communication, language, and literacy development.
  • You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll apply your skills in real early years settings through 750 hours of work placement.

How you will learn

The course is coursework-based, assessed through written assignments, observations, and evidence gathered during your work placement. You'll attend classroom sessions at Clacton Coastal Academy and complete 750 hours in early years settings. A DBS check is required before placement begins. Assessment is ongoing throughout the two years rather than through end-of-course exams.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Clacton Coastal Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to complete a DBS (police check) before your work placement begins; the centre will advise you on how to arrange this.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 - 5 in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery nurse: supporting children's care and learning day to day.
  • Early years educator: counted in statutory staffing ratios at Level 3.
  • Childminder: registered self-employed care for children in your home.
  • Pre-school assistant: supporting learning in playgroup or pre-school settings.
  • Reception class teaching assistant: supporting the Early Years Foundation Stage in school.

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Early Years Sector: moves you toward room-leader or deputy-manager roles in nursery settings.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those interested in research, policy, or senior practice roles.
  • Qualified Teacher Status (Early Years): if you want to teach in a school setting, a degree and teacher training are the next steps.

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