Free Level 3 Early Years Practitioner Course in Hammersmith and Fulham. Classes run at The Local Teachers. This daytime early years practitioner course takes 12 months and is built around your work in a childcare setting. You'll need to be employed, volunteering, or on placement with babies and young children from birth to age five. The course covers child development, safeguarding, communication, and planning learning activities. You'll need GCSEs at grade 4 or above in English and maths, or a related Level 2 work-related qualification. Level 3 is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work.
Who this course is for
This course is for anyone aged 16 or over who would like to work with babies and young children from birth to 5 years. It's a work-based qualification so you'll need to be employed, volunteering or on placement in a childcare setting. It's particularly suitable for learners with some experience in childcare.
Entry requirements
GCSEs grade 4 (C) or above in English and maths, or a related Level 2 work related qualification. Employment in a relevant childcare setting.
What you will learn
You'll understand how babies and young children develop from birth to age five.
You'll learn how to plan and lead activities that support children's learning and development.
You'll apply safeguarding principles and know how to keep children safe.
You'll develop skills in observing and assessing children's progress.
You'll learn how to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
You'll understand the legal frameworks and statutory guidance that govern early years settings.
You'll support children's health, wellbeing, and nutritional needs.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at The Local Teachers and apply your learning directly in your childcare setting. Assessment combines written assignments, observations of your practice in the workplace, and professional discussions. You'll build a portfolio of evidence showing your competence with children. Your assessor will observe you working with children and review your written work throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The Local Teachers 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
Room leader: leading a room or age-group within a nursery setting
Key person: holding responsibility for a group of children's development
Childminder: running your own registered childcare from home
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception class
Nursery manager (with further experience): overseeing a childcare setting
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 (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice and work toward qualified teacher recognition in early years.
