Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

This qualification is designed for learners preparing to become early years educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to five years and gain knowledge of children aged five to seven years.

There are no specific prior skills or knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner 603/3723/0, or a previous Level 2 qualification that is full and relevant or holds transferable skills which will prepare learners to study at Level 3.

This qualification aims to:

• Focus on the study of early years education
• Offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge
• Provide opportunities to acquire a number of practical and technical skills

You will learn about subjects such as Child Development, the Early Years Curriculum, assessing children’s learning, Learning through Play, SEND, Safeguarding, Health wellbeing and Safety, as well as partnership working.

Learners will be required to have achieved GCSE English and Maths grade 4 or above or FSL2 before commencing their Early Years Educator qualification.

As this is a requirement by EYFS for recognition as a Level 3 practitioner in a setting. Additionally, they are required to have a placement in an Early Years setting for the duration of the course, this can be either paid or voluntary work for a minimum of 300 hours. Learners will also need to successfully complete an interview.

Learners are responsible for obtaining their own DBS through placement or independently. Learners will need to show the DBS record to their course lecturer.

All knowledge units will be internally assessed using an externally set and internally marked Assessment of Learning.

Your practice will also be assessed in your workplace. A range of methods will be used , including: direct observation of practice, professional discussion, reflective accounts, work products, expert witness testimonies or a portfolio of evidence.

Upon achievement of this qualification, it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as early years educators.

After successful completion, learners will hold a recognised Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma and be qualified to work in Early Years settings with children under 5 years, in areas such as:

– Educator in nursery schools
– Educator in day nurseries
– Educator in reception classes in primary schools
– Pre-school worker

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 stationery.

Currently, there is no set textbook. All Coursework needs to be word-processed and the use of a computer/laptop is essential.