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Level 3 Early Years Educator Course in Wakefield

CostFees on application
Duration18 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryWork based
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 3 Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train while working in a nursery, school Foundation Unit, or childminding setting. Your assessor works with you individually, setting regular deadlines and giving you feedback throughout. You'll need to achieve Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths before you complete. The course takes 18 months. This working in the early years sector qualification is the NCFE Extended Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator), a Level 3 qualification that counts toward statutory staffing ratios in early years settings.

Who this course is for

This course is for people who work with young children in early years settings. For example, in a nursery, or school Foundation Unit, or as a Childminder.

Your course is organised on an individual basis. You will plan your work with your assessor who will support you to achieve. You will be set regular deadlines and will receive feedback and support on a regular basis.

Entry requirements

You need to be working in a childcare setting. A requirement of the course is to have obtained a minimum Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths by the time you complete.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your understanding of child development from birth to five years and beyond.
  • You'll learn how to plan and deliver activities that support children's learning and development.
  • You'll apply safeguarding principles and understand your responsibilities for keeping children safe.
  • You'll build skills in observing, assessing, and recording children's progress.
  • You'll learn how to support children's communication, language, and literacy development.
  • You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll learn how to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in an early years setting.

How you will learn

Your learning is organised on an individual basis with a dedicated assessor. You work through the qualification in your own early years setting, applying skills directly in your role. Your assessor visits you at work, sets regular deadlines, and gives ongoing feedback. Assessment includes observation of your practice in the workplace, professional discussions, and written tasks. You'll work toward the Level 2 Functional Skills in English and Maths requirement alongside the main qualification.

What you will need to bring

Heart of Yorkshire Education Group will confirm anything you need before you start. As this is work-based training, you'll need to be in a paid or voluntary role in a childcare setting throughout the course.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working directly with children in a nursery setting.
  • Room leader: leading a room or age-group team in a nursery.
  • Early years keyworker: supporting individual children's development and welfare.
  • Childminder: running your own registered childcare from home.
  • Foundation stage teaching assistant: supporting reception-age children in school.
  • Special educational needs (SEN) support worker: working with children with additional needs in early years.

What you could study next

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare or Early Years: moves you toward senior or management roles in childcare settings.
  • Early Childhood Studies degree (BA): a university route for those wanting to deepen their knowledge or move into teaching.
  • Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS): for those who want to lead practice and work toward qualified teacher recognition in early years settings.
  • Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you want to train or mentor others in childcare.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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