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Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Cambridge

CostFee:2889.00 Concession: 171.00
Duration18 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Cambridge Regional College, part-time during the day over 18 months. You need to be working in an early years setting to take this course. GCSE grade 4 in English, or an equivalent qualification, is also required. This is the early years educator qualification that counts toward Level 3 staff-to-child ratios in childcare settings. The NCFE level 3 early years educator classes cover the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to work effectively in an early years environment.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for learners working in an Early Years setting carrying out the relevant job role.

You may be eligible for full funding, meaning the course may be free to you. Apply to find out more information.

This qualification is designed to prepare learners with the knowledge, skills and understanding to work in an early years setting and be included in staff: child ratios.

To gain this qualification the learner will need to complete 10 mandatory units, covering a variety of topics, for example: Holistic child development Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) Effective communication in an early years setting Safeguarding and welfare requirements Health, wellbeing and safety Assessment of children’s learning and development

What is TQUK? TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) is one of the UK’s leading Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations, recognised for providing high-quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. Their qualifications are developed in collaboration with employers to ensure they reflect current industry standards and meet real workplace needs. TQUK courses are designed to help learners gain practical skills, knowledge, and confidence, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to progress in their career or enter a new profession.

Entry requirements

GCSE grade 4 in English or equivalent. You should be working in an early years setting, in the relevant job role to demonstrate competence. On completion of the course, you will count in the Level 3 staff: child ratios in childcare settings.

For the Apprentice option, please see the Early Years Educator Standard

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years and beyond.
  • You'll learn how to plan and deliver activities that support children's learning and development.
  • You'll understand how to keep children safe, including safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities.
  • You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress and use that information to support their needs.
  • You'll develop skills in supporting children's communication, language, and literacy.
  • You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll cover equality, diversity, and inclusion in early years settings.
  • You'll complete 10 mandatory units spanning the full range of early years practice.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a combination of classroom sessions at Cambridge Regional College and practical work in your early years setting. Assessment includes observations of your practice in the workplace, written assignments, and professional discussions. You'll need to demonstrate competence in your job role throughout the course, as evidence from your setting forms a core part of how you're assessed.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cambridge Regional 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, counting in Level 3 ratios.
  • Room leader: leading a room or age-group within a nursery setting.
  • Key person: taking responsibility for a group of children's individual development and welfare.
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in Reception or pre-school classes.
  • Pre-school practitioner: working in a sessional or community pre-school setting.
  • Forest school assistant: supporting outdoor early years provision once further training is added.
  • Childminder: running your own registered childcare provision from home.

What you could study next

With a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, you can move into senior or leadership roles in childcare settings. Options include:

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or a Foundation Degree in Early Years, which can lead to Early Years Teacher Status.
  • Level 4 or 5 qualifications in Special Educational Needs, if you want to specialise in SEND support.
  • A full Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT) programme, leading to Early Years Teacher Status for those aiming to lead practice in a setting.
Apply on camre.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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