Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Bexley

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 Early Childhood Development Course in Bexley. Classes run at Cleeve Park School. This two-year, full-time daytime course is designed for post-16 students who want to develop applied knowledge in education and early years as part of a sixth-form study programme. You'll study children's development, safeguarding, play and learning, and research skills, alongside a work placement that builds professional practice. The course sits alongside A Levels and is sized as one A Level equivalent. It's designed as a route into higher education and graduate-level careers in early years, teaching, nursing, or social work.

Who this course is for

The Pearson Level 3 BTEC National in Early Childhood Development is an Alternative Academic Qualification (AAQ) designed for post-16 students with an interest in Education and Early Years and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment.

Entry requirements

See https://www.cleevepark-tkat.org/sixth-form/what-can-i-study-at-cleeve-park-school for details

What you will learn

  • You'll study how children develop and why play matters in early learning.
  • You'll learn how research shapes legislation, policy, and provision for children.
  • You'll develop skills to support children's safeguarding and safety, including in emergencies.
  • You'll practise supporting children's literacy and numeracy through play and learning experiences.
  • You'll build critical thinking, secondary research, and reflective practice skills.
  • You'll gain professional practice experience through a work placement in an early years setting.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons, combining taught content with applied assignments. Assessment is through a mix of coursework, set tasks, and externally assessed units set by Pearson Edexcel. The work placement is a required part of the qualification and is assessed as part of your overall grade. You'll develop reflective practice skills throughout, which feed into your written and practical assessments.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cleeve Park School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's play and learning in early years settings.
  • Childcare worker: day-to-day care and development support for young children.
  • Teaching assistant: supporting classroom learning in primary schools.
  • Early years practitioner: working in nurseries, pre-schools, or children's centres.
  • Family support worker: helping families access services and early years provision.
  • Play worker: leading structured play activities in out-of-school settings.

What you could study next

This qualification is designed to lead into higher education. You could progress to a BA in Early Childhood Studies, a degree in Primary Education leading to Qualified Teacher Status, a BSc in Nursing, or a degree in Social Work. Each of these opens graduate-level roles in children's services, health, or education. Entry requirements for degree courses vary, so check university prospectuses alongside your full A Level results.

Apply on sites.google.com →
Apply now →

Related courses at Cleeve Park School

More courses near you