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

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Children's Play, Learning and Development Course in Plymouth. Classes run at Stoke Damerel Community College, full-time during the day. You'll need 4 to 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above in relevant subjects to enrol. This two-year children's play, learning and development qualification covers child development, play, and learning in early years settings such as nurseries, preschools, and schools. It carries the same UCAS points as one A level, so you can study it alongside A levels, other BTECs, or GCSEs.

Who this course is for

This course is for anyone who would like to work with small children in nursery, school and preschool settings in roles such as nursery assistant, classroom assistant, playworker, family support worker or nanny. It will give you the basics to go on to further study or training for work in the early years sector and is equivalent to 1 A level. You can study the course alongside other level 3 courses such as A levels or other BTEC's or GCSE's.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's at grade 4 or above in relevant subjects

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children develop physically, socially, and emotionally from birth to age eight.
  • You'll study how play supports children's learning and development.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding and child protection responsibilities in early years settings.
  • You'll examine how to support children's communication and language development.
  • You'll look at inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
  • You'll understand the roles of different early years professionals and the settings they work in.
  • You'll develop knowledge of health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Stoke Damerel Community College. Assessment is through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally set and marked examinations. Assignments are set by Pearson Edexcel and marked by your tutors. Exams test your knowledge of core topics. There is no single end-point assessment; work is assessed across the two years of the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Stoke Damerel Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's learning and play in nursery settings.
  • Classroom assistant: helping teachers in primary school or preschool classrooms.
  • Playworker: leading play activities in after-school clubs or play schemes.
  • Family support worker: working with families and young children in community settings.
  • Nanny: providing childcare and early learning support in a family home.
  • Early years practitioner: working across nursery, preschool, or children's centre settings.

What you could study next

A Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification (such as a Cache or Pearson Diploma) would allow you to count toward statutory staffing ratios in nursery settings. A degree in Early Childhood Studies or Education opens routes into teaching, social work, or senior practitioner roles. Some learners go on to a Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Years, which can lead to Early Years Teacher Status.

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