Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Sheffield – Longley Park Sixth Form Academy

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Sheffield. Classes run at Longley Park Sixth Form Academy. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, to enrol. The course covers child development for ages 0 - 8, early learning environments, safeguarding, and the professional responsibilities that come with working in early years and childcare settings. Theory is combined with practical experience throughout. The course runs full-time over two years.

Who this course is for

Our Level 3 Early Childhood Development course offers students a comprehensive exploration of the care and education sector for children aged 0–8 years. Through a blend of theory and practical experience, learners develop a deep understanding of child development, early learning environments, safeguarding, and the professional responsibilities required to support young children’s growth. This course equips students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to progress into early years employment or further study within the childcare and education sector.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English and Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll study how children develop physically, cognitively, and emotionally from birth to age eight.
  • You'll explore how early learning environments are designed and managed to support young children.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll examine the professional standards and duties expected in early years and childcare roles.
  • You'll develop understanding of how to support children with additional needs.
  • You'll build knowledge of legislation and policy that shapes early years practice.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in the classroom, combining taught sessions with practical experience. Assessment is through a mix of coursework assignments and externally assessed units, as set by Pearson Edexcel for the BTEC National. You'll complete assignments that draw on both your theoretical knowledge and your practical work in early years settings.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Longley Park Sixth Form Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's learning and daily care in nursery settings.
  • Early years practitioner: working in nurseries, pre-schools, or children's centres.
  • Childcare worker: providing care and activities for young children in group settings.
  • Teaching assistant (early years): supporting reception and Key Stage 1 classes in primary schools.
  • Playworker: leading play-based activities for children in after-school or holiday clubs.
  • Nanny or childminder: providing one-to-one or small-group childcare in home settings.

What you could study next

A Level 3 Early Childhood Development qualification opens several routes forward. You could progress to a Level 4 or Level 5 Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care, or apply for a degree in Early Childhood Studies or Education. A degree-level Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme leads to Early Years Teacher Status, which is the recognised qualification for leading practice in nursery settings. Some learners move into Level 3 NVQ routes to build on workplace experience.

Apply on longleypark.ac.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Longley Park Sixth Form Academy

More courses near you