Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course. Study online. Weekly interactive online sessions run during term time, so you can fit your learning around your work in an early years setting. This is a Department for Education recognised qualification aimed at experienced practitioners working at least 16 hours a week with young children. You'll deepen your knowledge of child development, planning, and practice across the early years age ranges. The course is part-time. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work.
Who this course is for
This qualification is recognised as 'full and relevant' by the Department of Education and aimed at experienced practitioners who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the early years workforce. Throughout this course Learners will be required to attend weekly online training sessions during term time. The sessions will be interactive drawing best practice and underpin knowledge to enable to learner to gain evidence for their portfolio. Learner work will be assessed by various methods which include; written tasks, work products, observation in the work place, professional discussion and reflective practice. Learners will complete an application form and be invited to an initial interview with the course tutor to discuss thier level of understanding currently, their learning expereinces, their reasons for wishing to do the course and future aspirations.
Entry requirements
Learner must be 19 years plus, working in an early years setting for a minimum of 16 hours a week. The learner must be engaging with the children in daily routines and activities and be in a position to plan and implement activities. The learner will also be required to have good spoken and written English, work alongside colleagues, parents and carers to support children and babies, and support children's care plans. If the learner does not work with all the age ranges stated in the qual
What you will learn
You'll develop a deeper understanding of child development from birth through the early years.
You'll learn how to plan and implement activities that support children's learning.
You'll build knowledge of safeguarding, health, and welfare requirements in early years settings.
You'll understand how to work with parents, carers, and colleagues to support individual children.
You'll learn how to support children's care plans and daily routines.
You'll develop practice across all early years age ranges covered by the qualification.
You'll gather and organise evidence of your professional practice into a portfolio.
How you will learn
You'll attend weekly online training sessions during term time. Sessions are interactive and draw on best practice to help you build evidence for your portfolio. Your work is assessed through a portfolio of evidence gathered in your workplace. You must be working in an early years setting for a minimum of 16 hours a week, as your day-to-day practice with children forms the basis of your assessment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cambridgeshire County Council 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 staffing ratios at Level 3
Early years keyworker: taking responsibility for a group of key children
Childminder: registered self-employed childcare in a home setting
Pre-school practitioner: supporting learning in a pre-school or playgroup
Forest school assistant: outdoor early years learning with young children
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or Early Years: moves you toward deputy or manager roles in a nursery or early years setting.
Early Childhood Studies degree (BA): a university route for those wanting to move into advisory, research, or senior leadership roles in the sector.
SENCO training: if you want to specialise in supporting children with additional needs.
