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Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Birmingham

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 Birmingham. Full-time daytime early childhood development classes run at Holyhead School. You'll need a grade 4 in both English and Maths to apply; a Merit or grade 4 in a Level 2 or GCSE Health and Social Care qualification is also required if you studied it at KS4. This Pearson BTEC level 3 early childhood development qualification covers applied knowledge and skills in education and early years over two years. It carries the same size as one A level.

Who this course is for

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate course is for those learners who are interested in pursuing a career in Education and Early Years and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment in Education, Early Years Teacher, Primary Teacher, Teaching Assistant or Health and Social Care.

This course is equivalent to one A level in size. It is suitable for students 16 to 19 plus looking to develop their applied knowledge and skills in Education and Early Years. Alongside this course you can study a further two A levels and vocational course if you wish to pursue at Holyhead Sixth Form ranging from Biology, Psychology, Sociology, English or Health and Social Care.

Entry requirements

Grade 4 in both English and Mathematics. A Merit or Grade 4 in a Level 2/GCSE Health and Social Care qualification if previously studied at KS4.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop applied knowledge of child development across the early years.
  • You'll explore how education and early years settings support children's learning.
  • You'll study the principles behind early years practice and professional roles.
  • You'll build understanding of health, wellbeing, and safeguarding in early childhood.
  • You'll examine the role of practitioners in supporting children's development.
  • You'll develop skills relevant to higher education study in education and early years.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based lessons at Holyhead School, combining taught sessions with supported independent study time. As a BTEC qualification, assessment is primarily through coursework and assignments rather than end-of-year exams. You'll build a portfolio of evidence across units throughout the two years.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Teaching assistant: support teachers in primary or early years classrooms.
  • Early years practitioner: work in nurseries, pre-schools, or children's centres.
  • Nursery nurse: care for and educate children from birth to five.
  • Childcare worker: support children's development in a range of settings.
  • Learning support assistant: help children with additional needs in school.
  • Play worker: lead play and activity sessions for young children.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies: a degree route for those aiming for graduate-level roles in early years or education.
  • BA (Hons) in Primary Education (QTS): the route to becoming a qualified primary school teacher.
  • Foundation Degree in Early Years: a work-based higher education option for those entering the sector directly.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification: the vocational route recognised in statutory nursery staffing ratios.
Apply on holyheadschool.org.uk →
Apply now →

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