Free Level 3 Childcare Course in Peterborough – Peterborough College

CostFREE
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Peterborough. Classes run at Peterborough College, full-time during the day. This childcare and education qualification covers child development, safeguarding, learning through play, and supporting children's health and wellbeing. The course runs for 36 weeks. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, so completing it opens the door to roles working directly with children in early years settings. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you.

Who this course is for

Please contact the college for further information on this course

Entry requirements

Please contact the college for entry requirement details

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 deliver play-based learning activities.
  • You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll explore how to support children's communication, language, and literacy.
  • You'll study children's health, wellbeing, and physical development.
  • You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll understand inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Peterborough College, combining taught lessons with practical work-based placements in early years settings. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice, and a portfolio of evidence. You'll be assessed against the Early Years Educator standards throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Peterborough College 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
  • Room leader: leading a room within a nursery or pre-school
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception class
  • Childminder: registered self-employed childcare in your own home
  • Pre-school worker: supporting children aged two to four in a pre-school
  • Nanny: providing childcare in a family home environment

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.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those wanting to deepen their knowledge or move into advisory, research, or specialist roles.
  • Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT): if you want to qualify as an Early Years Teacher and lead practice in a setting.

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