Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Blackpool. Evening classes run at Bispham Campus, so you can fit study around work or other commitments. The course takes one year part-time. You'll develop knowledge of child development, safeguarding, play, and inclusive practice, working with children from birth to five years and gaining knowledge of children aged five to seven. To enrol, you'll need a Level 2 English qualification such as a GCSE or Functional Skills Certificate, and a DBS check.
Who this course is for
Are you ready to take your early years career to the next level? This course is a nationally recognised qualification that prepares you to work independently with children from birth to five years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. It's ideal for those already working or volunteering in early years settings who want to become fully qualified practitioners. This course develops your understanding of child development, safeguarding, play and inclusive practice, while building the practical skills needed to plan, lead and evaluate learning activities. With a strong focus on professional practice and reflective learning, this diploma equips you to take on key worker responsibilities and progress into leadership roles in nurseries, preschools and other early years environments.
Entry requirements
Technical Entry Requirements: Age: 19 years or over (19+) Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements: DBS Check: A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is essential for those working with children and young people. This is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider. English and Maths: Learners must hold a Level 2 English qualification (e. g. GCSE or Functional Skills) to be counted in staff-to-child ratios at Level 3.
What you will learn
You'll develop your understanding of child development from birth to seven years.
You'll learn how to plan and support play and learning activities.
You'll study safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
You'll build knowledge of health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll understand your professional responsibilities within an early years setting.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Bispham Campus, combining taught content with practical work in an early years setting. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice, and a portfolio of evidence. You'll also need to complete a set number of hours in a placement or workplace with children from birth to five years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bispham Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner. Work directly with children in a nursery setting.
Room leader. Lead a room or age-group team in a nursery.
Early years keyworker. Support individual children's development and welfare.
Childminder. Work independently caring for children in a home setting.
Pre-school assistant. Support learning and play in a pre-school environment.
Family support worker. Work with families and young children in the community.
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or Early Years. Moves you toward senior practitioner or management roles.
Early Childhood Studies degree. A university route for those wanting to deepen their understanding of child development or move into advisory or specialist roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS). A postgraduate route for those wanting to lead practice and work as a qualified teacher in early years settings.
