Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Sheffield. Classes run at Wales High School. This full-time, daytime early childhood development course covers children's development from birth to age eight, safeguarding, play and learning, and the responsibilities of early years professionals. You'll study four mandatory units, two assessed by exam and two through internal tasks. Entry requirements are five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, though applications are considered individually. The course runs over two years.
You'll explore children's developmental progress from birth to eight years, including key theories and influencing factors.
You'll examine health and safety responsibilities and safeguarding procedures in early years settings.
You'll learn what to do in an emergency and how to raise concerns about a child's welfare.
You'll investigate the concept of play, approaches to play, and the benefits of play-based learning.
You'll apply your knowledge through internally assessed tasks that develop practical understanding of the sector.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based teaching at Wales High School. The course has four mandatory units. Two are assessed by written examination. Two are internally assessed through applied knowledge and understanding tasks. These internal units give you the chance to demonstrate what you know in a practical context rather than just under exam conditions.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Wales High School will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Early years practitioner assistant: working with children aged 0 to 8 in a supervised role
Nursery assistant: supporting daily care and learning in nursery settings
Childcare worker: assisting in playgroups, crèches, or children's centres
Play worker: leading play activities in after-school or holiday clubs
What you could study next
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies: a higher education route into qualified early years practice.
BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education: degree-level study leading to graduate roles in education and care.
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, if you want to move into a counted role rather than a supervised one.
Nursing or midwifery degree: this early childhood development qualification provides a base for children's nursing, general nursing, or midwifery programmes.
