Part Time Course code 90091

The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) prepares you to become an Early Years Educator, enabling you to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years.This work-based course provides the underpinning knowledge, understanding and assessment for people working in Early Years. It will enable you to work within the highest standards in childcare and be qualified to work responsibly and unsupervised in a childcare setting.

This course is designed specifically with workplace progression in mind, if you are currently employed in an early years setting and looking to take the next career-step then this is the course for you.

This programme is delivered over 2 years.

Available dates

There are no available sessions for the remainder of this academic year.

  • Duration

    32 weeks
  • Campus

    Hemel Hempstead Campus
  • Fees

    £2,882
Register your interest
  • Entry Criteria
    • English at grade D or above
    • Aged 16 or over
    • At least 6 months prior experience of working/volunteering in an EYFS childcare setting for at least 15 hours/ 2 days a week
    • A reference from this childcare experience
    • A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
    • A confirmed work or voluntary placement in an EYFS childcare setting for at least 15 hours/ 2 days per week for the duration of the course
    • Please note that childminders must be working with 3 children in order to be observed by the assessor and working alongside the EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)

    Please feel free to contact us regarding these criteria to discuss your suitability.

  • What will I study?

    You will learn about child development, observation assessment and planning, the EYFS and related policy and procedures. You will also explore the importance of play and the role of the early years educator in the workplace.

    Units are structured around four themes:

    • Theme 1: Health and well-being
    • Theme 2: Legislation, frameworks and professional practice
    • Theme 3: Play, development and learning for school readiness
    • Theme 4: Professional development

    You may be able to apply for an Advanced Learning Loan from the Government to help with the costs for your course. More information about the loans, your eligibility and how to apply can be found at Student Finance England.

  • Future Prospects

    For more information on the career opportunities available to you upon completion of this course visit the National Careers Service.

    Alternatively, continue your studies with a Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner or other higher level early years qualifications such as the Foundation Degree in Early Years.