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Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Luton for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Nursery Practitioner Courses in Luton.

Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Early Childhood Development Course in Luton. Classes run at Luton Sixth Form College, full-time over two years.

You'll study child development, wellbeing, and care for children from birth to eight years old. You'll need GCSE English and GCSE Maths at grade 3 or above to enrol. Before your placement begins, you'll need a DBS check, which costs around £50.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Certificate in Early Childhood Development.

Who this course is for

This qualification combines academic learning with real-world experience, helping students develop the skills and knowledge required by universities and employers in the early years sector. Students will learn how to support the development and wellbeing of children from birth to eight years old through both theory and hands-on experience.

Entry requirements

In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have: GCSE English - Grade 3 GCSE Maths - Grade 3

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children develop physically, emotionally, and socially from birth to eight years old.
  • You'll learn how to support children's wellbeing in early years settings.
  • You'll study child development theories and how to apply them in practice.
  • You'll develop skills in observing and assessing young children's progress.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support learning activities for young children.
  • You'll gain practical experience through a real placement in an early years setting.
  • You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions and practical placement experience. Assessment combines coursework assignments and externally assessed units set by Pearson Edexcel. Your placement gives you direct experience working with young children alongside qualified practitioners.

What you will need to bring

You'll need to complete a DBS check before your placement starts. This costs around £50 and must be paid at the start of the course. Luton Sixth Form College will confirm what else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Assistant, supports children's learning and daily routines in a nursery or pre-school.
  • Nursery Assistant, helps care for and engage young children in a nursery setting.
  • Early Years Educator, a step up that typically requires a Level 3 full and relevant qualification recognised in statutory ratios.
  • Playworker, supports children's play and development in out-of-school settings.
  • Childcare Worker, provides care and early education in a range of settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Qualification, a full and relevant qualification counted in statutory staffing ratios, if this BTEC alone does not meet that requirement for your employer.
  • HNC in Early Childhood Studies (Level 4), a natural next step into higher-level study of child development and education.
  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies (Level 5), combines academic study with work-based learning.
  • Early Years Teacher Status, requires a degree and further training through a recognised provider.
Apply on lutonsfc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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