Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Hartlepool. Classes run at Hartlepool College of Further Education. This full-time daytime course covers child development, safeguarding, learning environments, and supporting children's wellbeing. At 875 hours, it's a substantial childcare and education qualification that gives you the depth of knowledge nurseries and early years settings look for. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and this course is designed to take you there.
Who this course is for
16-19 years
What you will learn
You'll study how children develop physically, emotionally, and cognitively from birth to age five.
You'll learn how to plan and support play-based learning activities.
You'll understand safeguarding duties and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll study inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
You'll understand health, safety, and welfare requirements in early years settings.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Hartlepool College of Further Education, combining taught content with practical tasks. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of practice, and portfolio evidence. You'll build a body of work across the course that demonstrates your knowledge and competence in childcare and education.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Hartlepool College of Further Education 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
Nursery nurse: supporting children's daily care and learning
Early years educator: planning and delivering activities for under-fives
Childcare worker: supporting children's development in a range of settings
Teaching assistant (early years): supporting children in Reception classes
Playworker: leading play sessions in after-school or holiday clubs
Childminder: running your own registered childcare from home
What you could study next
Level 5 Early Childhood Studies Degree (Foundation Degree): deepens your understanding of child development and can lead to senior practitioner or management roles.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you want to move into teaching or training others in childcare settings.
CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner: builds specialist knowledge for those taking on lead practitioner responsibilities.
