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Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Ashton-under-Lyne

CostFREE
Duration24 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Ashton Sixth Form College, full-time over two years.

The course covers child development from birth to eight years old. You'll study safeguarding and child protection, play and learning theories, health and safety, and research and reflective practice. Units include both external exams and internally assessed assignments. Work placement in an early years setting is strongly recommended in both years. The course carries UCAS tariff points and is accepted by universities across the UK.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate in Early Childhood Development.

Who this course is for

This course allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years). There are four mandatory units; two examined and two internally assessed. The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their early childhood development knowledge.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand how children develop from birth to eight years old.
  • You'll learn safeguarding and child protection procedures.
  • You'll study health and safety and risk assessment in early years settings.
  • You'll explore types of play, learning theories, and curriculum approaches.
  • You'll plan activities that support children's development.
  • You'll develop research skills and reflective practice.
  • You'll learn about legislation and policy affecting children and families.
  • You'll build observation and assessment skills used in professional practice.

How you will learn

The course combines classroom lessons, independent research, practical activities, and case studies. Two units are assessed by external exam, including the Keeping Children Safe unit. Two units are internally assessed through assignments, covering play and learning and reflective practice. Work placement in an early years setting supports your practical learning in both years.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ashton Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Assistant, supports children's learning in a nursery or pre-school.
  • Nursery Assistant, works with children aged birth to five in a nursery setting.
  • Early Years Educator, takes a lead role in planning and delivering children's activities.
  • Childcare Worker, provides care and support in a range of early years settings.
  • Teaching Assistant, supports classroom learning in a primary school.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification, the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, required to progress to a lead educator role.
  • BA (Hons) in Childhood and Early Years Studies, a degree route for those wanting to move into teaching, social work, or senior childcare roles.
  • PGCE (Primary), for those aiming to qualify as a primary school teacher after completing a relevant degree.
Apply on asfc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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