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Free Level 3 Children’s Play, Learning and Development Course in Congleton

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Children's Play, Learning and Development Course in Congleton. Classes run at Congleton High School, full-time during the day. This two-year children's play, learning and development qualification covers how children develop, early literacy and numeracy, child safety, and the wider early years sector. You'll also build research, evaluation, and problem-solving skills. Entry is strongly recommended with at least two GCSEs at grade 5 (including English) and three at grade 4, though all applications are considered individually.

Who this course is for

This course is for anyone who wants to develop and sustain an interest in Childcare and Education, Early Years Education in primary schools and issues affecting the Early Years sector.

You will develop knowledge and understanding of how children develop, the development of literacy and numeracy skills, and the importance of keeping children safe. You will build upon your own skills of research, evaluation and problem solving. You will develop into an effective independent learner.

This is a course for anyone who has an interest in working within the caring profession. You will take Early Childhood Development if you love children and have a desire to care.

Entry requirements

It is strongly recommended that to study an Early Childhood Development course you have at least two GCSEs at grade 5 (including English) and three grade 4s at GCSE. You do not need to have studied Child Development in KS4. However, all applications will be considered on an individual basis.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children grow and develop across key early years stages.
  • You'll study the development of literacy and numeracy in young children.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding and keeping children safe.
  • You'll develop research, evaluation, and problem-solving skills.
  • You'll examine issues and current debates affecting the early years sector.
  • You'll build understanding of early years education in primary school settings.

How you will learn

The BTEC National Extended Certificate is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed tasks set by Pearson Edexcel. Internally assessed units are marked by your centre and moderated externally. External assessments are completed under supervised conditions. You'll study in the classroom at Congleton High School across the two years of the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Congleton High School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's play and learning in early years settings.
  • Teaching assistant: working alongside teachers in primary school classrooms.
  • Playworker: leading play activities in after-school or holiday clubs.
  • Childminder: providing home-based childcare for young children.
  • Early years practitioner: working in nurseries or children's centres.
  • Nanny: providing private childcare in family homes.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. A natural next step if you want to work in a qualified practitioner role.
  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies or Education: many universities accept this BTEC for degree entry. A degree opens routes into teaching, social work, or senior early years roles.
  • PGCE or School Direct: for those aiming to qualify as a primary school teacher after a relevant degree.
Apply on congletonhigh.com →
Apply now →

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