Course overview

Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) Level 3 City of Bristol College

This two-year, part-time course is for people who want to become early years educators. It will enable you to work with children from birth to five years and give you knowledge of children aged five to seven years old.

If you’re aged 19+ and this will be your first Level 3 course, it could be free for you under the government’s National Skills Fund (NSF) scheme. Get in touch to find out more.

Dates and applications

Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.

Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) Level 3 Ashley Down Centre
Bristol
Course Code
LBP1501B01-1
Dates
10/01/2024 - 27/06/2025
Duration
1 years
Days
Thurs
Hours per week
6.69
Start Time
09:30
Location
Ashley Down Centre
Fee
You may be able to study for free, if you are aged 19+ and do not hold a full Level 3 qualification. Even if you do, you may be eligible to be fully funded for a 2nd depending on your home postcode. If you aren't eligible for a free course - the cost is £2882. You can apply for a loan to cover your fees. Please contact us to discuss your payment options or visit our financial support page.
Apply
Course Code Dates Duration Days Hours per week Start Time Location Fee
LBP1501B01-1 10/01/2024 - 27/06/2025 1 years Thurs 6.69 09:30 Ashley Down Centre
You may be able to study for free, if you are aged 19+ and do not hold a full Level 3 qualification. Even if you do, you may be eligible to be fully funded for a 2nd depending on your home postcode. If you aren't eligible for a free course - the cost is £2882. You can apply for a loan to cover your fees. Please contact us to discuss your payment options or visit our financial support page.
Apply

Additional information

Who is this course for?

This course is for adults aged 19 and over who are interested in childcare or wanting to become an early years educator. This course is an ideal stepping stone towards achieving your ambition. This course offers learners a great opportunity into higher education and previous learners have specialised in primary teaching, children’s nursing, become a nanny or au pair abroad.

What you'll learn

During this course, you will be able to develop your skills using a range of techniques both enhancing your knowledge and skills within the field of childcare. During your studies you can expect to complete units such as play, development and learning for school readiness, the health and wellbeing of children, professional development and legislation and professional practice.

Course entry requirements

To join this course, you will need five GCSEs Grade 4 (C) and above including English Language and Maths or functional skills at Level 2 and be working towards your GCSEs. You will need to have previous experience of working with children and have completed a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You will also need to have secured a placement for 350 hours in an early years setting to complete alongside the qualification.

How is the course delivered and assessed?

During this course you will be asked to complete specific work placement where all learners will need to complete 350 hours of work experience. There will be guest speakers and visits to see childcare and guest lecturers.

You will be required to develop an ongoing portfolio of knowledge and skills and will be assessed in the workplace. In addition, you will be required to complete a longitudinal study alongside support from your setting.

View the full assessment plan.

Future career and study opportunities

After successfully completing this course, you can continue within Higher Education institutions or obtain employment in many fields within early years such as early years practitioner, manager, childminding, nanny and au pairing or working as a special educational needs coordinator.

Additional costs

As a City of Bristol College student, you may incur additional costs to attend your course. For example, it is likely you may need to pay for travel and stationary. 

Alongside the course fee you will need to pay for a DBS check and course textbook.

If you are on a limited income, you may be able to receive help from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.

You may be able to receive an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees.

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