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

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 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 Skegness. Classes run at Skegness Academy. This full-time, daytime children's play, learning and development qualification is designed for those preparing to work as an early years educator in nursery and preschool settings. You'll need five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 to apply. The course runs over two years and covers the knowledge, understanding, and skills that underpin the early years educator role. Many students go on to higher education before moving into employment.

Who this course is for

Students completing their CPLD level 3 will be aiming to go on to employment, often via the steppingstone of higher education. This qualification is designed for learners preparing for a role as an early years educator in preschool and nursery settings. The qualification is designed to cover the core content of which is needed to practise as an early years educator.

The content of the qualification meets the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin the role of the early years educator as well as gaining experience out in the workforce by completing work placement within two settings. All the content is mandatory, and will cover the following topics: Childrens development, keeping children safe, observation, assessment and planning, play and learning, reflective practice, supporting childrens early learning, the Early Years Foundation Stage and working with parents.

Entry requirements

5 GCSE - Grades 9 to 4

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children play, learn, and develop from birth through early childhood.
  • You'll study the knowledge and skills needed to support children in nursery and preschool settings.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding, health, and wellbeing in early years environments.
  • You'll understand the role of the early years educator and the responsibilities it involves.
  • You'll examine how to observe and assess children's development.
  • You'll develop understanding of how to plan and support children's learning experiences.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom setting at Skegness Academy, with full-time daytime attendance across two years. The BTEC National Extended Certificate is assessed through a combination of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed components set by Pearson Edexcel. Your work will be assessed against set criteria throughout the course rather than through a single end-of-course exam.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery worker: supporting children's play and learning in a nursery setting.
  • Preschool assistant: working with young children in a preschool environment.
  • Early years practitioner: delivering care and education in a registered childcare setting.
  • Childcare worker: supporting children's development in a range of care settings.
  • Playgroup leader: organising and leading play-based sessions for young children.
  • Teaching assistant (early years): supporting learning in Reception and Key Stage 1 classes.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies: a higher education route that builds on Level 3 and moves toward graduate-level practice.
  • BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education: a full degree for those aiming for leadership roles or teaching in early years settings.
  • Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner: a higher-level vocational qualification for those already working in the sector who want to take on a senior role.
Apply on skegnessacademy.org →
Apply now →

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