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Level 3 Early Years Educator Course at Loughborough College

CostFREE
Duration18 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 in an early years setting, so your learning connects directly to what you do each day. The course covers child development from birth to 7 years, safeguarding, early literacy and mathematics, and planning for individual children's needs. You'll also complete a six-week longitudinal study of a child. The course typically takes 18 months. This free early years educator course is funded through Free Courses for Jobs for eligible adults aged 19 and over who don't yet hold a full Level 3 qualification. NCFE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) with certificate.

Who this course is for

Early Years Educators, and other job roles such as nursery nurse and childminders, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. They work in a range of settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre schools, reception classes and as childminders. They may either be working on their own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

You will learn the skills, knowledge and behaviours required to fulfil your role and understand the requirements at higher level in preparation for progression.

Entry requirements

Employed within an early years setting for a minimum of 6 hours per week

Funding Available through 'Free Courses For Jobs' If you are aged 19+ who has not yet studied a full level 3 qualification

What you will learn

  • You'll understand expected patterns of child development from birth to 5 years, and development from age 5 to 7.
  • You'll learn systematic synthetic phonics and strategies for developing early literacy and mathematics.
  • You'll apply safeguarding policies and procedures, including how to recognise and respond to child protection concerns.
  • You'll analyse how a child's stage of development and individual circumstances affect their learning.
  • You'll plan activities that reflect each child's individual needs, development stage, and circumstances.
  • You'll understand the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by Government.
  • You'll develop the skills to work independently or supervise others in an early years setting.

How you will learn

You learn on the job, in your early years workplace. Assessment includes regular formative assessments, a portfolio of evidence showing how you apply learning in practice, and a work-based project. You'll also complete a longitudinal study of a child over a six-week period. You must demonstrate competence in a real working environment and complete all required units.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working in day nurseries or children's centres
  • Nursery nurse: supporting children's learning and daily care
  • Pre-school practitioner: delivering EYFS in pre-school settings
  • Reception class teaching assistant: supporting early years in primary schools
  • Childminder: registered home-based care for young children
  • Room leader: leading a room or age-group in a nursery setting

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for the Early Years Sector: moves you toward senior practitioner or management roles in early years settings.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree: a university-level route for those wanting to deepen their knowledge or move into advisory, research, or leadership roles.
  • Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice across the birth-to-5 age range in a teaching capacity.
Apply on loucoll.ac.uk →
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