Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Bedford. Classes run at Bedford College, part-time during the day, making it manageable alongside other commitments. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery and early years settings, so it opens the door to roles where you count toward a room's qualified staff numbers. You'll study child development, safeguarding, learning through play, and supporting children from birth to five. The course takes one year to complete.
Who this course is for
Course Summary can be found on the course page of the website
Entry requirements
Entry requirements can be found on the course page of the website
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
You'll learn how to plan and deliver play-based learning activities.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore how to support children's communication, language, and literacy.
You'll study how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll learn about working in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll understand health, wellbeing, and nutrition in early years settings.
How you will learn
You'll attend classroom-based sessions at Bedford College during the day. Learning is assessed through a combination of written assignments, observations in an early years setting, and a portfolio of evidence. You'll need to complete a placement in a childcare setting as part of the course, where your practice will be observed and assessed. An initial assessment will confirm that Level 3 is the right starting point for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bedford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working directly with children in a nursery setting
Room leader: leading a room in a nursery, counted in statutory ratios
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in Reception or pre-school
Childminder: registered self-employed care for children in your home
Playgroup worker: supporting structured play in community settings
Special educational needs (SEN) support worker: assisting children with additional needs in early years
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare: moves you toward senior or management roles in early years and childcare settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree: a university-level route for those wanting to deepen their understanding of child development or move into advisory, research, or specialist roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those wanting to lead learning and development in early years settings at a teacher level.
