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Free Level 3 Children’s Play, Learning and Development Course in Kettering – Kettering Science Academy

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Children's Play, Learning and Development Course in Kettering. Classes run at Kettering Science Academy, full-time during the day. You'll need five GCSEs including English and Maths at grade 4 or above to enrol. This two-year children's play, learning and development qualification covers child development, play, learning environments, and working in early years settings. It carries the same UCAS points as one A level, so you can combine it with A levels or other BTECs.

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

5 GCSE grades including English and Maths at least grade 4.

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 planning and supporting activities in early years settings.
  • You'll examine safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll understand the roles of nursery assistants, playworkers, and other early years practitioners.
  • You'll look at how families and communities influence children's development.
  • You'll develop knowledge of legislation and frameworks that govern early years practice in England.

How you will learn

The BTEC format combines coursework assignments with external assessments. You'll complete written assignments, case studies, and project-based tasks throughout the two years. Some units are assessed by Pearson Edexcel through set tasks or exams. Classroom sessions at Kettering Science Academy give you time to discuss topics, analyse scenarios, and build your understanding of early years practice.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Kettering Science Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's learning in nursery settings
  • Classroom assistant: working alongside teachers in primary schools
  • Preschool worker: planning and delivering play activities for under-fives
  • Playworker: supporting children's play in out-of-school clubs
  • Family support worker: helping families access early years services
  • Nanny: providing childcare in a family home setting
  • Childminder: running a registered home-based childcare setting

What you could study next

This qualification is a stepping stone, not a standalone licence to practise in a regulated early years role. To work as a qualified practitioner counted in nursery staffing ratios, you'll typically need a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification. You could also progress to a Level 4 or Level 5 in Early Years Education and Childcare, or use the UCAS points to apply for a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies.

Apply on ketteringscienceacademy.org →
Apply now →

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