Free Level 3 Early Years Practitioner Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working in a childcare setting, building your skills on the job with employer support. The course covers child development, planning and delivering learning, assessment, safeguarding, and working in partnership with families. It typically takes 2 years to complete. Entry requirements include excellent knowledge of childcare; holding a Level 2 Certificate in Childcare is preferred. This level 3 early years practitioner qualification counts toward statutory staffing ratios in early years settings.
Who this course is for
You will be required to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of early years education and care, including that you can support and promote children's early education and development, plan and provide effective care, teaching and learning that enables children to progress and prepares them for school, make accurate and productive use of assessment, develop effective and informed practice, safeguard and promote the health, safety and welfare of children, work in partnership with the key person, colleagues, parents and/or carers or other professionals.
Entry requirements
Excellent knowledge of every aspect of Childcare.
Preferably, already holding a Level 2 Certificate.
What you will learn
You'll support and promote children's early education and development.
You'll plan and provide effective care, teaching, and learning to help children progress toward school readiness.
You'll use assessment accurately to inform and develop your practice.
You'll safeguard children and promote their health, safety, and welfare.
You'll work in partnership with key persons, families, and colleagues.
You'll demonstrate in-depth understanding of early years education and care practice.
How you will learn
You learn through your day-to-day work in an early years setting. Assessment is work-based and includes observation of your practice, a portfolio of evidence, and professional discussions. You'll demonstrate your competence directly in the workplace, showing you can apply your knowledge and skills with children in real situations.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bosco Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery Practitioner: work in a nursery as a qualified Level 3 practitioner counted in ratios
Room Leader: lead a room or age-group within a nursery setting
Key Person: take responsibility for a group of children's learning and welfare
Early Years Educator: work across nurseries, pre-schools, and children's centres
Childminder: run your own registered childminding provision
Teaching Assistant (Early Years): support reception and foundation-stage classes in primary schools
What you could study next
With a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, you could move toward:
Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner: deepen specialist knowledge and take on a senior or mentoring role.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (Children and Young People): suited to those moving into management or deputy leadership roles in early years settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree: a full undergraduate route for those considering teaching or specialist advisory work.
