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Level 3 Early Years Educator Course Online – JAG Training

Cost£4,670.00
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Early Years Educator Course. Study online at your own pace over 12 months. You'll need to be working or volunteering in an early years setting to enrol, and an enhanced DBS check is required. The course covers child development, learning, and wellbeing for children from birth to 5 years. A good standard of English is required; GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent (including Functional Skills Level 2) is the benchmark. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about supporting the learning, development, and wellbeing of young children from birth to 5 years. It is suitable for those already working or looking to work in early years settings such as nurseries, preschools, or as childminders. Whether you are starting your childcare career or looking to gain a recognised qualification to progress further, this diploma provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed.

The course is perfect for those who enjoy working with children, have a nurturing nature, and want to make a positive impact on a child’s early development. It is also suitable for those seeking a career change into the childcare sector or looking to formalise their experience with an industry-recognised qualification.

The course offers a blend of theoretical learning and practical application, with real-world experience in an early years setting. You will explore topics such as child development, safeguarding, health and safety, inclusive practice, and supporting children’s learning through play. The qualification is structured to help you understand the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and how to implement them effectively.

You will benefit from tutor guidance, online resources, and one-to-one support, as well as opportunities to apply your learning in your workplace or placement setting. The course supports the development of reflective practice, encouraging you to evaluate your own work and continuously improve your approach to supporting children’s development.

Upon completion, you will be fully qualified as an Early Years Educator, able to work unsupervised with children and even take on key worker responsibilities. This nationally recognised qualification opens up pathways to employment in various early years roles or further study at Level 4 or above.

This course is a rewarding and practical way to launch or enhance your career in early years education and care.

Entry requirements

To enrol on the Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator), learners must undergo an enhanced DBS check and be working or volunteering in an early years setting. A good standard of English is required, typically GCSE grade C/4 or equivalent, Functional Skills as strong communication is essential. Basic literacy, numeracy, and IT skills are recommended to support written assignments and online learning activities.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand child development from birth to 5 years, including physical, cognitive, and emotional milestones.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support activities that promote children's learning and wellbeing.
  • You'll develop knowledge of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities in early years settings.
  • You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress and keep accurate records.
  • You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll gain knowledge of health, safety, and welfare requirements in early years environments.
  • You'll learn how to support children with additional needs and promote inclusive practice.

How you will learn

You'll study online, completing written assignments and assessments that draw on your practice in your early years setting. The course requires you to be working or volunteering in a setting so that you can apply your learning directly. Assessment is through portfolio evidence, written tasks, and observation in the workplace. Basic IT skills are needed to access online learning materials and submit work.

What you will need to bring

JAG Training will confirm anything you need before you start. You'll need access to a computer or device with internet connection. An enhanced DBS check is required before enrolment, and you must be working or volunteering in an early years setting throughout the course.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working directly with children aged 0 to 5
  • Room leader: leading a room within a nursery or preschool
  • Preschool worker: supporting learning and play in preschool settings
  • Childminder: registered self-employed childcare from your own home
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting children in Reception classes
  • Nursery manager (with further experience): overseeing a nursery setting

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare: moves you toward senior or management roles in early years and childcare settings.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those wanting to deepen their understanding of child development or move into teaching.
  • Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice and specialise in the early years foundation stage.
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