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Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Ipswich – One Sixth Form College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Ipswich. Classes run at One Sixth Form College, full-time over two years. The course is free, though a DBS check costs around £50.

You study it alongside your other A Levels. The four mandatory units cover children's development, keeping children safe, play and learning, and research in early childhood settings. A work placement of around 50 hours in an early years setting is recommended. You'll need six GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

You'll finish with a Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification 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

6 GCSE’s grade 9-4, including grade 4 in GCSE English Language

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children develop physically, emotionally, and cognitively.
  • You'll study how to keep children safe and understand safeguarding responsibilities.
  • You'll learn how play supports children's learning and development.
  • You'll develop research and reflective practice skills in early childhood settings.
  • You'll build knowledge that connects to subjects like Sociology, Psychology, and Biology.

How you will learn

Assessment is split equally between external and internal work. External assessment is 50% of the qualification, through two written exams of one hour and 45 minutes each. Internal assessment covers two units through written reports and tasks. One internally assessed unit uses a Pearson-set assignment brief, which takes around 15 hours to complete. Classes are delivered in a classroom setting at the college.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. One Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start. A DBS check will cost around £50. A work placement of around 50 hours in an early years setting is recommended, though not required to complete the qualification.

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.
  • Teaching Assistant, supports children in a primary school classroom.
  • Childcare Worker, provides care and stimulation for young children in various settings.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Childhood and Early Years Studies, the most direct next step from this qualification.
  • BA in Social Work, for those interested in child welfare and family support.
  • Children's Nursing degree, combining care skills with clinical training.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, for those wanting to work directly in statutory staffing ratios in nursery settings rather than progressing to higher education.
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