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Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Workington

CostFREE
Duration22 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Workington. Classes run at Workington Academy, full-time during the day. You'll need a Grade 4 in English and Science to join. The course covers child development from birth to age eight, safeguarding, play and learning, and research practice in early years settings. It runs over 22 months and is designed to support progression to higher education. Two units are assessed by external exam and two by internal assessment. This level 3 early childhood development qualification is graded from Distinction Star to Pass.

Who this course is for

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years). The course is designed for post-16 students with an interest in Education and Early Years and aiming to progress to higher education as a route to graduate level employment.

Entry requirements

Grade 4 in English and Science A Pass in Health and Social Care will be a benefit, but it is not essential.

What you will learn

  • You'll study how children develop from birth to eight years, including key theories and developmental milestones.
  • You'll explore the factors that can affect a child's progress through each stage of development.
  • You'll learn health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities in an early years setting.
  • You'll understand how to recognise and respond to concerns about a child's welfare.
  • You'll examine the role of play in children's learning and the theories that underpin it.
  • You'll plan and evaluate play and learning activities appropriate for young children.
  • You'll investigate how research influences policy and practice in early childhood settings.
  • You'll develop reflective practice skills relevant to working in an early years environment.

How you will learn

The course has four mandatory units, each with 90 guided learning hours. Two units (Children's Development and Keeping Children Safe) are assessed by external exam. Two units (Play and Learning and Research and Reflective Practice) are internally assessed through applied knowledge and understanding tasks. Classes are delivered in a classroom setting at Workington Academy during the day.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Workington 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.
  • Teaching assistant: working alongside teachers in primary school classrooms.
  • Early years practitioner: delivering care and education for children aged 0 to 5.
  • Childminder: providing home-based childcare, typically requiring further registration.
  • Playworker: leading play sessions in after-school clubs or play centres.
  • Family support worker: helping families access early years services and support.

What you could study next

This qualification is designed as a route into higher education. You could progress to a BA in Early Childhood Studies, a Foundation Degree in Early Years, or a BA in Education. A degree-level qualification opens routes to roles such as qualified nursery manager, early years teacher, or social worker. Some universities may also accept this alongside A Levels for broader degree programmes.

Apply on westcoastsixthform.org →
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