Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) - Level 3
Overview
This course will provide you with a recognised early years qualification, whether you already work within a day nursery or foundation stage care/educational setting or looking to do so.
You may be employed or volunteering as an early years assistant, early years educator, nursery assistant, early years special educational needs assistant or wish to become a volunteer early year’s educator within a day nursery or foundation stage unit in a primary school.
This course can also be delivered as an apprenticeship so you may wish to speak to your employer or the college about this route.
To be able to work as a fully qualified Level 3 early years practitioner, you must already hold a level 2 qualification in both English and maths, or be prepared to work towards the achievement of these qualifications.
On successful completion of this course students will be awarded the NCFE CACHE Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE) - Level 3.
Start dates and fees
There are two intakes for this course during an acadmic year. Please contact the college for the specific dates.
| Start Date | Code | Annual Fee (Age) | Actions |
| over 19 |
| 09/01/2024 | 1467A1643 | FREE* to £2882.00 | Apply |
* If you are aged 19-23 and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
What will I study?
- 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
Entry requirements
- Completion of the 10-week induction course, Principles in Childcare and Education (PCE).
- Or, already employed within an early years or foundation stage classroom environment working with children.
- Aged 19 years and over (unless studying as part of an apprenticeship).
- If you are not in employment within an early years or foundation stage classroom environment you will need to complete a satisfactory DBS check to ensure your suitability for working with children.
How long is the course?
18 months.
Whilst undertaking this course you must either be in employment or volunteering (for a minimum of 6 hours per week) in a nursery or foundation stage in a primary school during the school term over the 18 month period.
You will attend college for 13 weeks, at our Derby Road campus from 6-8pm on Wednesday evenings. Once completed, the remainder of your programme will take place through one-to-one reviews where you will meet with your assessor on mutually agreed dates and times.
What does the course lead to?
Upon achievement of this qualification you will gain a licence to practise and it is intended that you will be able to enter a workplace as an early years educator.
You can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:
- Assistant in Children's Centres
- Practitioner in nursery schools
- Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
- Pre-school worker
Career opportunities