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Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Ipswich

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Ipswich. Classes run at Kesgrave High School, full-time over two years.

The course covers children's development, the role of play and learning, health and safeguarding, and how research shapes childcare law and policy. You'll also build practical skills to support children's safety and learning experiences. Entry requires six GCSE or BTEC passes at Level 4 or above, and a Merit or above in a related Level 2 subject is desirable.

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

Who this course is for

Students will develop the following knowledge and skills:

  • Knowledge and understanding of children's development, importance

of play and learning in development, and health and safeguarding

practices

  • Knowledge and understanding of how research findings influence

legislation, policy and provisions for children

  • Skills to support the safeguarding and maintenance of children's

safety, including in emergencies

  • Skills to support children’s play and learning experiences, including

numeracy and literacy

  • Critical thinking, secondary research and reflective practice skills

Entry requirements

6 GCSE/BTEC passes at Level 4 or above. It is desirable to achieve a Merit or above in this subject at Level 2 (or a related subject).

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children grow and develop across key early years stages.
  • You'll study the importance of play and how it supports children's learning.
  • You'll learn health and safeguarding practices to keep children safe.
  • You'll understand how research influences childcare legislation and policy.
  • You'll develop skills to support children's safety in everyday and emergency situations.
  • You'll practise supporting children's play and learning experiences, including numeracy activities.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom setting at Kesgrave High School. Learning combines taught sessions with coursework and practical tasks. Assessment is through assignments and unit-based work, as is standard for a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National qualification. There is no single final exam; your work is assessed throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Educator, supports children's learning and development in a nursery or pre-school setting.
  • Nursery Assistant, helps plan and deliver activities for young children.
  • Early Years Assistant, works alongside qualified staff in a childcare setting.
  • Playworker, supports children's play in after-school or holiday clubs.
  • Childcare Support Worker, assists families and children in community or residential settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator, the qualification recognised in statutory nursery staffing ratios and a natural next step for those wanting to work as a qualified educator.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice, for those looking to move into a senior or specialist role.
  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, a higher education route for those aiming toward a degree-level qualification in the sector.
Apply on kesgrave.suffolk.sch.uk →
Apply now →

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