Level 3 Early Years Practitioner Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train while working in an early years setting, building practical competence alongside your knowledge of childcare. Funding is available for eligible learners aged 19 to 23 years old. If you're 24 or over, an adult learning loan may be available. You'll need to be working in an early years setting, full-time, part-time, or voluntarily, and hold a relevant Level 2 qualification. The course takes around 16 months.
Who this course is for
Children's Care, Learning and Development NVQ level 3 is a qualification for people working with babies, children and young people in a variety of settings including nurseries, crèches, pre-schools and schools. This award will enable you to develop and prove your practical competence as well as build your knowledge and understanding of early years care.
Entry requirements
Applicants are required to be qualified to level 2 and working within early years care at the appropriate level, either full-time, part-time or on a voluntary basis in order to generate the necessary evidence to prove competence. CWCT will guide you on this.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in caring for babies, children, and young people in early years settings.
You'll build knowledge of child development across key stages from birth onward.
You'll learn how to plan and support children's learning and play activities.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll demonstrate competence in communication with children, families, and colleagues.
You'll gather and present evidence of your skills and knowledge in a real working environment.
How you will learn
This is a work-based qualification, so your learning and assessment happen in your workplace. You'll build a portfolio of evidence drawn from your day-to-day practice. Assessment includes observation of your work in the setting, professional discussions, and written tasks to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding. Coventry And Warwickshire Chamber Training will guide you through the evidence requirements.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Coventry And Warwickshire Chamber Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children in a nursery setting
Nursery nurse: day-to-day care and learning support for young children
Pre-school assistant: supporting children's development in pre-school
Crèche worker: providing childcare in crèche or sessional settings
Early years key worker: leading a small group of children's development
Teaching assistant (early years): supporting learning in Reception or Year 1
What you could study next
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services: moves you toward senior or management roles in early years settings.
Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): a graduate-level route for those wanting to lead practice and teaching in early years.
Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice: deepens specialist knowledge in areas such as special educational needs or outdoor learning.
