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Free Level 3 Childcare Course in Solihull

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Solihull. Classes run at Solihull College And University Centre, full-time during the day. You'll study child development from conception to seven years, children's health and well-being, safe environments, play and learning, and supporting children with additional needs. Entry requirements include four GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, plus at least grade D/3 in Maths. You must be aged 16 to 19 to enrol. The course takes one year and carries up to 84 UCAS points.

Who this course is for

CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education is a one year programme which provides progression to the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma. The course carries a maximum of 84 (A* grade) UCAS points.

You will study all aspects of children's care, play, learning and development: -Child development from conception to seven years -Children's health and well-being -Providing safe environments for children -Child health -Play and learning -Understanding children's additional needs -Observation, assessment and planning -Professional Practice Portfolio

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade C/4 including English Language, plus a Grade D/3 in Mathematics. Maths can be taken alongside your main programme. However, if a C/4 Grade is not achieved you will not gain employment as an Early Years Educator. You must be aged between 16 and 19 to enroll on this course. You will have a positive school or college reference with good levels of attendance and punctuality. Experience of working with children e.g. babysitting or nursery experience would be very useful.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore child development from conception to seven years.
  • You'll study children's health, well-being, and nutrition.
  • You'll learn how to create and maintain safe environments for children.
  • You'll examine the role of play in children's learning and development.
  • You'll develop knowledge of children's additional needs and how to support them.
  • You'll build understanding of child health and common childhood conditions.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Solihull College And University Centre. The programme combines taught lessons with coursework and practical tasks. Assessment is through written assignments and portfolio evidence covering each area of study. Experience working with children, such as nursery placements, supports your learning alongside classroom study.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Solihull College And University Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in early years rooms.
  • Playgroup worker: leading or assisting sessions in community play settings.
  • Childminder: caring for children in a home-based setting (registration required).
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting children in Reception or Key Stage 1.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This Award is designed as a stepping stone toward it.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Practice: for those moving into senior or room-leader roles.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree: this course carries up to 84 UCAS points, which can support a university application.
Apply on solihull.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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