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Level 3 Early Years Educator Course at First College Lincs

CostContact course provider to check eligibility
Duration15 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryWork based
StartFlexible
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About this course

Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working with children, so your learning is grounded in your day-to-day role. The course covers working with children from birth to 5 years, with knowledge extending to age 7, and meets the Department for Education Early Years Educator criteria. This means you can count within staff-to-child ratios at Level 3. To be included in ratios, you'll need a suitable Level 2 English qualification. The course typically takes 15 months. NCFE Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) with certificate.

Who this course is for

This qualification is designed to prepare learners to become early years educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5 years, gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years and be included in staff:child ratios. It includes both knowledge and skills that meet the Department for Education Early Years Educator (DFE EYE) criteria.

Entry requirements

Early Years Educator: GCSE English and Maths requirement

The requirement for Level 3 Early Years Educators (EYE) to hold GCSE or Functional Skills in Maths at Level 2 has been removed from ratio requirements. Learners will still need to hold a suitable Level 2 English qualification in order to count within the staff:child ratio’s at Level 3. From January 2024, a manager or a learner that starts in a manager role will also need to hold a suitable Level 2 Maths qualification.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 7 years.
  • You'll learn how to plan and deliver activities that support children's learning.
  • You'll understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
  • You'll learn how to support children's health, wellbeing, and nutritional needs.
  • You'll develop skills in observing and assessing children's progress.
  • You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll understand the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern early years settings.

How you will learn

You learn on the job in your early years workplace. Training combines practical work-based experience with knowledge study. Assessment includes observations of your practice in the workplace, written assignments, and professional discussions. Your progress is assessed against the Department for Education Early Years Educator criteria throughout the 15-month programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. First College Lincs will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to 5 in a nursery
  • Room leader: leading a room or age-group within a nursery setting
  • Early years keyworker: providing dedicated support to individual children
  • Nursery nurse: supporting children's care and development day to day
  • Pre-school practitioner: working in a pre-school or playgroup setting
  • Forest school assistant: supporting outdoor early years learning programmes

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or Early Years: moves you toward senior and management roles in early years settings.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree (BA): a university route for those wanting to deepen their understanding of child development and policy.
  • Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: a practical add-on many employers require or prefer for early years staff.
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