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Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in London

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in London. Classes run at The Hive London, full-time over one year.

The course prepares you to work with children from birth to five years old. You'll study child development, communication, safeguarding, special educational needs, and the role of the course. Two days a week are spent in class, with an additional day at a work placement. You'll also complete some self-study alongside this.

You'll finish with the NCFE Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) at Level 3.

Who this course is for

Are you looking to work in early years education? Then this qualification is where you begin. The aim of this qualification is to prepare you to become an early years educator, enabling you to work with children from birth to five years and gain knowledge of children aged five to seven years. After completing this qualification, you should be able to enter the workforce.

Entry requirements

To join this course, you must: live in London, have the right to live and work in the UK, be 19 years old or older as of 31 August 2026, not be in full-time education, not be on a student visa, skilled worker, or sponsored visa, and be unemployed or low income (earning below £28,860 per annum).

Additional eligibility criteria may apply.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the role and responsibilities of an early years educator.
  • You'll study holistic child development and key milestones from birth to seven years old.
  • You'll learn how to support children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • You'll develop effective communication skills for use in early years settings.
  • You'll gain knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practice.
  • You'll understand how to plan and support children's learning and play.
  • You'll build awareness of health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions two days a week and a work placement one day a week. Self-study is also expected alongside timetabled sessions. The course covers ten units assessed through a combination of written work and evidence gathered from your placement. You'll complete an initial assessment and interview before starting.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. The Hive London will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Educator, works directly with children from birth to five years old.
  • Early Years Practitioner, supports learning and development in nursery or pre-school settings.
  • Nursery Nurse, provides care and education for young children in a nursery.
  • Nursery Practitioner, plans and delivers activities for children in early years settings.
  • Childminder, provides registered childcare in a home environment.
  • Playgroup Leader, runs sessions for young children in community settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare, for those moving into senior or management roles in early years settings.
  • Early Childhood Studies Degree, a university route for those wanting to deepen their knowledge of child development and education.
  • Early Years Teacher Status, the route to becoming a qualified early years teacher in England.
Apply on poplarharca.co.uk →
Apply now →

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