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Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course Online – Learning & Skills Darlington

CostFREE
Duration52 weeks
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyTraining Qualifications UK awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course. Study online, at your own pace, over 52 weeks.

The course suits people working or volunteering in an early years setting. You'll study child development, safeguarding, learning through play, and how to support children's health and wellbeing. Topics also cover working with families and understanding the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.

You'll need a GCSE in English at grade 4 or above, or a Functional Skills Level 2 English qualification. You'll finish with a TQUK Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Care and Education.

Who this course is for

This qualification is suitable for a range of learners, either working or wishing to volunteer in an early years setting.

Entry requirements

  • Aged 19+
  • Have the right to live and work in the UK
  • Must live in the Darlington, Tees Valley or North Yorkshire
  • You must currently hold, or are working towards, an English qualification at GCSE old grade C/new grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2

What you will learn

  • You'll understand how children develop from birth to five years old.
  • You'll learn how to plan and deliver activities that support children's learning and play.
  • You'll apply safeguarding principles to keep children safe.
  • You'll support children's physical health, emotional wellbeing, and personal care needs.
  • You'll work within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
  • You'll build skills for communicating with families and carers.
  • You'll understand equality, diversity, and inclusion in an early years setting.

How you will learn

You study online in your own time. Learning is distance-based, so you work through materials at a pace that suits you. Assessment includes written assignments and evidence gathered from your early years setting or placement. You'll complete an initial assessment before starting so the course is matched to the right level for you.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a device with internet access to study online. You must be aged 19 or over, have the right to live and work in the UK, and live in Darlington, Tees Valley, or North Yorkshire. You must hold, or be working towards, a GCSE in English at grade 4 or above, or a Functional Skills Level 2 English qualification. Learning & Skills Darlington will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Educator, works directly with children aged birth to five in a nursery or pre-school setting.
  • Nursery Practitioner, supports children's daily care and learning activities in a nursery room.
  • Nursery Room Leader, leads a room team and plans activities for a group of children.
  • Senior Early Years Practitioner, takes on additional responsibility within an early years team.
  • Nursery Nurse, provides care and education for young children in nursery or hospital settings.
  • Childminder, runs a registered childcare service from home.
  • Nanny, provides private childcare in a family home.

What you could study next

  • Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice, deepens specialist knowledge for senior roles in the sector.
  • Early Years Teacher Status, leads to qualified teacher recognition in early years settings; you'll normally need a degree to pursue this route.
  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, a Level 5 qualification that opens routes into teaching and management roles.
Apply on darlington.gov.uk →
Apply now →

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