Post A Job
Advertise Courses
Search Jobs
Search Courses

Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Lee-on-the-Solent

Cost£4,200.00
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryWork based
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyHighfield Awarding Body awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Early Years Educators Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working in your nursery, pre-school, or early years setting, putting learning into practice with the children you work with every day. The course covers child development, learning, and well-being for children aged 0 to 5. It typically takes 12 months to complete. You need to be working at least 16 hours a week in an early years setting to enrol. The level 3 early years educators qualification is the Highfield Diploma for Early Years Educators, recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work.

Who this course is for

The Highfield Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Educators is designed for individuals aiming to work in early years settings with children aged 0–5 years. This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 and over, including those who are new to the sector or seeking to formalise their skills. It provides the knowledge and practical experience required to support children's development, learning, and well-being in early years environments.

Entry requirements

The Diploma is designed for individuals employed for 16+ hours a week at a nursery, pre-school, or similar early years setting with children aged 0–5 years. While there are no formal entry requirements, a basic level of literacy and numeracy is beneficial. Learners should be at least 16 years old and possess a genuine interest in working with young children.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 5 years.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support children's learning and play.
  • You'll understand how to promote children's health, well-being, and safety.
  • You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
  • You'll develop skills in supporting children's communication and language.
  • You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to apply them in practice.
  • You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.

How you will learn

Learning takes place in your workplace. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your day-to-day practice with children. Assessment includes observations of your work carried out by an assessor, written assignments, and professional discussions. Your assessor will visit you in your setting to observe and review your progress throughout the 12 months.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Showcase Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery
  • Room leader: leading a room within a nursery or pre-school
  • Key person: holding a key worker role in an early years setting
  • Pre-school assistant: supporting learning and play in a pre-school
  • Childminder: registered self-employed childcare for under-5s
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception class

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or Early Years: moves you toward senior and management roles in early years settings.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree: a university route for those wanting to specialise further or move into advisory, research, or teaching roles.
  • Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): a postgraduate route for those who want to lead practice as an early years teacher.
Apply on showcasetraining.co.uk →
Apply now →

Related courses at Showcase Training

More courses near you