Free Level 3 Children's Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) Course in Wigan. Classes run at Deanery High School and Sixth Form College. You'll need five or more GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language or Maths. This full-time, two-year course covers child development, play, safeguarding, and early years practice. It prepares you to work as a nursery practitioner and meets the requirements for the Early Years Educator role recognised in statutory nursery staffing ratios.
Who this course is for
16-19 year old who meet the course entry requirements
Entry requirements
Five or more GCSEs at grade 4 or better, including English Language OR Mathematics at grade 4 or better
What you will learn
You'll study how children develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally from birth to age five.
You'll learn how to plan and support play-based learning activities.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore how to support children's communication, language, and literacy development.
You'll learn about inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
You'll develop knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Deanery High School and Sixth Form College, alongside practical placements in early years settings. Assessment is through a combination of assignments, observations in practice, and externally assessed units set by Pearson Edexcel. The course runs full-time over two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Deanery High School and Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
Nursery nurse: supporting children's daily care and learning activities.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting teachers in Reception or Year 1 classes.
Childminder: providing registered childcare in a home setting.
Pre-school worker: supporting play and learning in a pre-school or playgroup.
Room leader: leading a room or age-group within a nursery.
What you could study next
Level 6 BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education: a degree route for those wanting to move into senior or leadership roles in early years settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree: broader study of child development, policy, and practice.
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship: a work-based route to a senior practitioner role.
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via a Primary PGCE: for those who want to teach in primary schools.
