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Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Greenwich – Woolwich Polytechnic School

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 Greenwich. Classes run at Woolwich Polytechnic School, full-time during the day.

This Pearson Edexcel BTEC covers child development from birth through early childhood. You'll study how children grow, learn, and develop across physical, cognitive, and emotional areas. The course also covers safeguarding, play, and working with families. It runs over two years.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate in Early Childhood Development at Level 3.

Who this course is for

This course is for students who want to continue studying geography after GCSE. You'll already be familiar with some of the topics, but the A level will give you the chance to study these and some new ones, in much greater depth. It's for you if you are interested in current global issues like climate change, migration and environmental degradation. You might be choosing geography because you're headed for a career in a geography related occupation though it will give you a set of skills that can be used in a whole variety of careers. For some geography related careers, it's good to have studied geography in combination with subjects like maths, chemistry, physics or biology.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally from birth to age eight.
  • You'll study the role of play in children's learning and development.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll understand how to support children with additional needs.
  • You'll examine how families and communities influence child development.
  • You'll develop knowledge of early years practice and professional standards.
  • You'll learn how to observe and assess young children's progress.

How you will learn

The BTEC is assessed through a mix of coursework assignments and externally set assessments. Assignments are completed throughout the course and marked against set criteria. Some units include external assessments set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. Classes are delivered in the classroom at Woolwich Polytechnic School.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Educator, supports children's learning in a nursery or pre-school setting.
  • Nursery Assistant, helps deliver daily activities and care in a nursery.
  • Early Years Assistant, works alongside qualified staff in early years settings.
  • Childcare Worker, provides care and support for young children in various settings.
  • Teaching Assistant (Early Years), supports children in Reception and Key Stage 1 classes.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator, the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work and a common next step after this BTEC.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice, for those wanting to move into a senior or specialist role.
  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, for those considering a degree-level route into teaching or management in early years.
Apply on polysixthform.co.uk →
Apply now →

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