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Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Hatfield for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration24 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Nursery Practitioner Courses in Welwyn Hatfield.

Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Hatfield. Classes run at Onslow St Audrey's, full-time over two years.

The course is a Pearson Edexcel BTEC and is designed to sit alongside A Levels such as Sociology, Psychology, Biology, or English. You'll study child development, early years practice, and the factors that shape children's learning and wellbeing. The course runs over 24 months and is aimed at learners planning to progress to higher education. You'll need four or five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths.

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

Who this course is for

The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A levels such as Sociology, Psychology, Biology or English. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's at grade 4 (C) or above including English and maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children develop physically, emotionally, and cognitively from birth.
  • You'll study the factors that support or affect children's learning and wellbeing.
  • You'll examine early years practice and the role of practitioners in children's lives.
  • You'll look at how families, communities, and society influence child development.
  • You'll develop research and analytical skills relevant to higher education study.
  • You'll connect your learning to related subjects such as Sociology and Psychology.

How you will learn

This is a classroom-based course at Onslow St Audrey's. You'll learn through a mix of taught sessions, research tasks, and coursework assignments. Assessment combines internally assessed units marked by your centre and externally assessed components set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. First external assessment takes place in 2026.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Onslow St Audrey's 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 reception setting.
  • Nursery Assistant, works alongside qualified staff in a nursery environment.
  • Early Years Educator, a role you can work toward with further Level 3 qualifications and experience.
  • Childcare Worker, provides care and learning support for young children.
  • Teaching Assistant, supports classroom learning in primary school settings.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Early Childhood Studies or Education, the most direct route after this BTEC for those wanting to work as a qualified Early Years Educator or teacher.
  • A degree in Psychology or Sociology, building on the academic content covered in this course.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification, for those who want a work-based route into the profession rather than university.
Apply on qualifications.pearson.com →
Apply now →

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