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Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Nottingham – Ashfield Comprehensive School

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Nottingham. Classes run at Ashfield Comprehensive School, full-time over two years.

The course covers child development theory, safeguarding, play and learning, and how to support children's health and wellbeing. You'll study the factors that shape early childhood, from birth through to age five and beyond. The course is for 16 to 18 year olds.

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

Who this course is for

16-18 year old's

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children develop physically, emotionally, and socially from birth.
  • You'll study safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll learn how play supports learning and development in early childhood.
  • You'll examine children's health, wellbeing, and nutritional needs.
  • You'll look at the role of families and communities in child development.
  • You'll develop understanding of inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.

How you will learn

The course is classroom based with full-time daytime attendance. Assessment combines internally assessed assignments and at least one externally set assessment. Your assignments are marked by your centre and moderated by Pearson Edexcel. The external assessment tests your knowledge under timed conditions.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Ashfield Comprehensive School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Assistant, supports children's learning and daily routines in a nursery or school.
  • Nursery Assistant, helps care for and engage young children in a nursery setting.
  • Early Years Educator, takes a lead role in planning and delivering early years activities.
  • Childcare Worker, provides care and stimulation for young children in various settings.
  • Teaching Assistant (Early Years), supports children in Reception or Year 1 classes.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and a natural next step after this BTEC.
  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, for those wanting to move into higher education and deepen their knowledge.
  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education, a full degree route for those aiming toward leadership or teaching roles in early years settings.
Apply on qualifications.pearson.com →
Apply now →

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