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Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course Online

CostFREE
Duration240 hours
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
Start7 Oct 2026
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course. Study online, fitting your learning around work or a childcare placement.

You must be aged 19 or over and working or volunteering in an early years setting for at least 300 hours. The course covers child development from birth to five years, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, learning environments, and supporting children with special educational needs. Around 240 hours of study are required.

You'll finish with the NCFE Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator).

Who this course is for

This qualification is designed for learners aged 19+ who wish to become qualified Early Years Educators. It is suitable for those looking to work with children from birth to 5 years in settings such as nurseries, preschools, or reception classes. It is ideal for learners who are already volunteering or working in a childcare setting or those who can secure a placement to gain the necessary practical experience.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19+. Being employed or in a voluntary placement in an Early Years setting (min. 300 hours) is essential. Level 2 English is strongly recommended. You will be asked to complete a skills check and complete a short piece of writing.

You must be eligible to study in the U.K and will need to show I.D and proof of income/benefits upon enrolling for funding purposes.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support children's learning and play.
  • You'll understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
  • You'll study health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.
  • You'll learn how to support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
  • You'll explore how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
  • You'll understand professional practice and your responsibilities in an early years setting.

How you will learn

You'll study online at your own pace. Assessment includes written assignments, observations in your workplace placement, and a portfolio of evidence. Your placement setting is central to the course: you'll apply your learning directly with children and record your practice as evidence. You'll also complete a skills check and a short piece of writing at enrolment.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a device with internet access to study online. You'll also need to provide ID and proof of income or benefits when you enrol. A placement or employment in an early years setting providing at least 300 hours of practice is essential. Devon Adult Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Educator, works with children from birth to five in a nursery or preschool.
  • Nursery Nurse, supports children's development and daily care in a nursery setting.
  • Early Years Practitioner, delivers play and learning activities in a preschool or reception class.
  • Nursery Practitioner, assists with planning and delivering early years programmes.
  • Childminder, provides registered childcare from home after completing Ofsted registration.

What you could study next

  • Early Years Teacher Status, for those who want to lead practice in early years settings; you'll need a degree first.
  • Level 4 Certificate for Early Years Advanced Practitioners, a natural next step for those moving into senior or specialist roles.
  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies (Level 5), combines academic study with practice and can lead to a full degree.
  • Level 3 Award in Education and Training, useful if you want to move into a training or mentoring role.
Apply on learndevon.co.uk →
Apply now →

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