Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Blackpool. Evening early years educator classes run at Bispham Campus, so you can fit study around work or other commitments. You'll need to be 19 or over and hold a Level 2 English qualification (such as GCSE or Functional Skills) to meet the entry requirements. A DBS check is also required. The course takes one year part-time and covers child development, safeguarding, play, and inclusive practice with children from birth to seven years. It prepares you to work independently as a qualified practitioner in early years settings. NCFE Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Diploma with certificate.
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.
What you will learn
You'll develop your understanding of child development from birth to seven years.
You'll learn how to apply safeguarding principles in early years settings.
You'll study play-based approaches and how they support children's learning.
You'll explore inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
You'll build knowledge of how to work independently with children aged birth to five.
You'll gain understanding of how to plan and support children's learning and development.
How you will learn
Classes are delivered face-to-face at Bispham Campus on an evening timetable. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, observations in an early years setting, and knowledge-based tasks. You'll need access to a suitable early years placement or workplace to complete the practice-based elements of the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bispham Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange or provide evidence of a valid DBS check before working with children in a placement or setting.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: work directly with children aged birth to five
Room leader: lead a room or age-group in a nursery setting
Early years keyworker: take responsibility for a group of key children
Childminder: work independently caring for children in a home setting
Pre-school assistant: support learning and play in a pre-school environment
Early years teaching assistant: support children in a Reception or Year 1 class
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services: move into senior or management roles in early years settings.
Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those wanting to deepen their knowledge or move into advisory, research, or specialist roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice and work toward qualified teacher recognition in early years.
