Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Southampton. Evening classes run at Southampton College, part-time over 25 weeks. This early years educator qualification fits around work, volunteering, or a placement in an early years setting. In fact, you'll need to be working or placed in a setting as part of the assessment. You'll need GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 in both, though you can be completing one alongside the course.
Who this course is for
Adult part time learners
Entry requirements
You will need to be working, volunteering or on a practical placement as
an important part of the assessment process involves evaluating skills in real
working situations. We recommend 350 hours across the age ranges
GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, or Functional Skills Level 2
in English and Maths, or have at least one and completing the other alongside
the course. Please note that while this can be taken alongside the
qualification you will not be a
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years old.
You'll learn how to plan and support children's learning and play activities.
You'll understand how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll study safeguarding, welfare, and health and safety requirements.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll develop skills in supporting children with additional needs.
You'll understand the statutory frameworks that govern early years settings.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Southampton College in the evenings. Assessment involves observation of your practice in a real working or placement setting, written assignments, and professional discussions. A significant part of the assessment evaluates your skills directly in the workplace, which is why active work or placement hours are required alongside the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Southampton College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need access to a suitable early years work setting or placement to complete the practice-based elements of the course.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: work in a day nursery or preschool setting
Room leader: lead a room within a nursery, supervising junior staff
Early years teaching assistant: support learning in a Reception class
Childminder: run your own registered childcare from home
Family support worker: work with families in community or local authority roles
Play worker: support children's play in out-of-school or holiday settings
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare: move into a senior or management role in an early years or childcare setting.
Early Childhood Studies degree: deepen your understanding of child development and open routes into teaching or specialist roles.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): qualify as an early years teacher and work with children from birth to five years old.
