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Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Croydon

CostFREE
Duration33 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start18 Jan 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Croydon. Classes run at CALAT Thornton Heath Centre, part-time during the day.

The course is designed for people already working in a childcare setting who hold a Level 2 qualification. Over 33 weeks, you'll study health and wellbeing legislation, professional frameworks, and how play supports children's development. You'll research and produce assignments covering early years practice. These the course classes run at a manageable pace, suited to those balancing work and other commitments.

You'll finish with the NCFE Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) at Level 3.

Who this course is for

NCFE L3 Technical Occupational Entry for Early Years Practitioners. This qualification is an excellent opportunity for you to progress your career. This course is for applicants that have a level 2 qualification, and who are working in a Childcare setting. This course gives you right to practice as an Early Year's practitioner.

You will discuss, research and produce assignments to meet assessment criteria including: Health and wellbeing legislation, frameworks and professional practice play, development, linking theory to practice in the Early Years setting.

Entry requirements

To be accepted on to the course you must attend an English assessment and a separate interview session. These sessions will be by appointment only at our CALAT centre in Thornton Heath. Please email us at [email protected] to book onto the next available information and assessment session. L1 literacy and writing.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore health and wellbeing legislation relevant to early years settings.
  • You'll study professional frameworks that guide childcare practice.
  • You'll learn how play supports children's learning and development.
  • You'll research and produce written assignments to meet assessment criteria.
  • You'll develop your understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
  • You'll build knowledge of planning and observing children's activities.
  • You'll study how to support children's communication and language development.

How you will learn

You'll attend classroom-based sessions at CALAT Thornton Heath Centre. Learning is through discussion, research, and written assignments. Assessment is by assignment, covering topics such as health and wellbeing legislation, professional practice, and play. There is no formal exam. Before you start, you'll attend an English assessment and a separate interview session, by appointment at the centre.

What you will need to bring

CALAT Thornton Heath Centre will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Educator, works directly with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery or early years setting.
  • Nursery Practitioner, supports children's learning and daily care in a nursery.
  • Nursery Nurse, provides care and education for young children in a range of settings.
  • Nanny, works with children in a private household, often managing daily routines and activities.
  • Teaching Assistant, supports teachers and pupils in a primary school classroom.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice, a natural next step for those wanting to move into senior practitioner or room leader roles.
  • Early Years Teacher Status, leads to qualified teacher recognition in early years settings, but requires a degree first.
  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, a Level 5 qualification that deepens your knowledge and can lead toward a full bachelor's degree.
Apply on register.calat.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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