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Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Lee-on-the-Solent

CostFREE
Duration15 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryWork based
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working at least 16 hours a week in a nursery, pre-school, or similar setting with children aged 0 to 5. The course covers child development, learning, and well-being, building your practical skills alongside your day-to-day work. This level 3 early years educator qualification typically takes 15 months to complete. It is funded through an Advanced Learner Loan, so you will need to be aged 19 or over to apply.

Who this course is for

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Diploma is designed for individuals aiming to work in early years settings with children aged 0–5 years. This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 and over, including those who are new to the sector or seeking to formalise their skills. It provides the knowledge and practical experience required to support children's development, learning, and well-being in early years environments.

Entry requirements

The Diploma is designed for individuals employed for 16+ hours a week at a nursery, pre-school, or similar early years setting with children aged 0–5 years. While there are no formal entry requirements, a basic level of literacy and numeracy is beneficial. Learners should be at least 19 years old as the course is funded via an Advanced Learner Loan, and possess a genuine interest in working with young children.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand how children aged 0 - 5 develop physically, socially, and emotionally.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support activities that promote children's learning.
  • You'll develop skills to observe and assess children's progress.
  • You'll learn how to safeguard children and promote their health and safety.
  • You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll build knowledge of inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in your workplace. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your day-to-day practice, showing how you meet the requirements of the qualification. Assessment includes observations of your work with children, written assignments, and professional discussions with your assessor. Your assessor will visit you in your setting to review your progress and sign off competencies as you develop them.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Showcase Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: supporting children's learning and daily care in a nursery
  • Room leader: taking responsibility for a room or age group in a nursery
  • Pre-school assistant: working with children aged 2 - 5 in a pre-school setting
  • Childminder: providing registered childcare in a home environment
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception or Year 1 class
  • Family support worker: helping families with young children in community settings

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Early Years Sector: moves you toward a senior or management role in an early years setting.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those wanting to deepen their understanding of child development or move into teaching.
  • Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice and work toward qualified teacher recognition in early years settings.
Apply on showcasetraining.co.uk →
Apply now →

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