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Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Wakefield – Part-time

CostCheck if you can do this free
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryBlended learning
Start30 Sep 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Fees apply if you're not eligible. Advanced Learner Loan available. Contact Heart of Yorkshire Education Group for more info.

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About this course

Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, with a mix of online study and time at the centre. You'll learn to support children's learning and development from birth to five years, with some study of children aged five to seven. The course includes 300 hours of placement in an early years setting, where you'll gather evidence to support your studies. You'll need GCSE English at grade 4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 in English, to enrol. The course runs part-time over 12 months.

Who this course is for

This qualification prepares you to work as an Early Years Educator, supporting children’s learning and development from birth to five years, while also developing your knowledge of children aged five to seven years.

As part of the course, you will complete 300 hours of mandatory placement in an early years setting, where you will collect evidence to support your studies.

When you successfully complete the qualification, you will be able to enter the workforce as an Early Years Educator.

Entry requirements

GCSE English at Grade 4 or above or Functional Skills Level 2 in English

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of children's learning and development from birth to five years.
  • You'll study children's development from five to seven years.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support activities that promote children's development.
  • You'll understand safeguarding, health, and welfare requirements in early years settings.
  • You'll collect and organise evidence from your placement to demonstrate your practice.
  • You'll build knowledge of how to work with parents, carers, and other professionals.

How you will learn

Learning is blended: you'll study online at times that suit you and attend sessions at Wakefield College during the day. You'll also complete 300 hours of mandatory placement in an early years setting, collecting evidence of your practice. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, observations in your placement, and evidence gathered on the job.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to five in a nursery setting.
  • Room leader: leading a room or age group within a nursery.
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in Reception or Year 1 classes.
  • Childminder: registered self-employed care for children in a home setting.
  • Pre-school worker: supporting play and development in a pre-school environment.
  • Family support worker: working with families and young children in community settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare: moves you toward senior and management roles in early years or residential settings.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those interested in research, policy, or senior practice roles.
  • Qualified Teacher Status (Early Years): for those who want to teach in a school setting, requiring further study through a recognised teacher training route.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
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