Free Level 3 Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) Course in Widnes. Classes run at Riverside College Kingsway Campus, full-time during the day. You'll need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Science, plus a clear DBS check. Over two years, this childcare and education (early years educator) qualification covers child development, safeguarding, observation and assessment, special educational needs and disability, equality and diversity, and working with families and carers. Level 3 is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work in England.
Who this course is for
Aimed at school leavers. During this course you will study a wide range of subjects including Wider Context, Child Development Supporting Education, Observation and Assessment, Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Wellbeing, Reflective Practice, Behaviours, Equality and Diversity, Parents, Families and Carers, Special Educational Needs and Disability, Working with Others and English as an Additional Language. Successful completion of this course will prepare you for a career as a practitioner in a day nursery, nursery school, reception class, pre-school worker, home based childcare, or nanny (home and abroad). During this course you will also complete a minimum of 750 hours in placements, you will study in college three days a week and attend placement for the other two.
Entry requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 9 - 4 including a grade 4 in English language, Maths and Science. Students must also have a clear DBS.
What you will learn
You'll study child development and how to support children's learning and education.
You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore health, safety and wellbeing in early years settings.
You'll study equality, diversity and inclusion, including English as an Additional Language.
You'll learn about special educational needs and disability (SEND) and how to support children with additional needs.
You'll develop reflective practice skills to evaluate and improve your own work.
You'll study how to work effectively with parents, families, carers and other professionals.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Riverside College Kingsway Campus, full-time across two years. Learning covers a wide range of subjects through taught sessions. Assessment is through coursework, observations and written tasks linked to each subject area. You'll also complete practical placement hours in an early years setting, which are a required part of the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Riverside College Kingsway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You'll need a clear DBS check in place before the course begins.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner. Work directly with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
Room leader. Take responsibility for a room or age group within a nursery.
Early years educator. A recognised role in Ofsted-registered settings, counting in ratios at Level 3.
Pre-school assistant. Support children's learning in a pre-school or playgroup.
Childminder. Work independently caring for children in a home setting.
Teaching assistant (early years). Support children in Reception or Year 1 in a school.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or a Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies. Both suit those moving into senior or management roles in early years settings.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via a Primary PGCE or School Direct route. For those who want to teach in a school rather than a nursery setting.
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training. Useful if you want to teach or train others in the sector.
