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Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in March

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in March. Classes run at Neale-Wade Academy. This two-year, full-time daytime course covers children's care and education from birth to age eight. You'll explore child development, learning environments, and the wider early years sector. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths. The course is designed with progression to higher education in mind, across a broad range of subjects.

Who this course is for

This course allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years), with a view to progressing to a wide range of higher education courses, not necessarily in early years-related subjects.

Entry requirements

5 Grade 4’s and above to include English & Maths

What you will learn

  • You'll explore child development from birth to eight years.
  • You'll study how children learn and how adults support that learning.
  • You'll examine the children's care and education sector and how it's organised.
  • You'll investigate safeguarding, health, and wellbeing in early years settings.
  • You'll develop understanding of play, communication, and early language development.
  • You'll build knowledge relevant to a range of higher education courses.

How you will learn

As a Pearson BTEC qualification, assessment is primarily through coursework and assignments rather than written exams. You'll complete units assessed through projects, reports, and practical tasks. Some units may include externally assessed components set by Pearson. Classes are delivered full-time during the day at Neale-Wade Academy.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Neale-Wade Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's learning in nursery settings
  • Childcare worker: day-to-day care in nurseries or children's centres
  • Teaching assistant: supporting primary school teachers and pupils
  • Playworker: leading play activities in after-school or holiday clubs
  • Early years practitioner: working in registered childcare settings
  • Family support worker: helping families access early years services

What you could study next

This early childhood development qualification is designed to lead into higher education. You could progress to a BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies, Education, or a related subject at university. If you want to work directly in registered childcare settings, a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification is the one recognised in statutory staffing ratios. A Foundation Degree in Early Years is another option if you want a work-based higher education route.

Apply on neale-wade.org →
Apply now →

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