Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector

Level 3 Diploma

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

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

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become qualified professionals in the early years field. It covers all aspects of early years care and education, enabling learners to work independently with children aged from birth to 5 years, while having knowledge of child development up to age 7.

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

Typical Duration: 18–24 months
Total Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 395
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 610

Level 3 Diploma

Target Audience

Aspiring Early Years Educators
Current Level 2 practitioners looking to progress to a Level 3 qualification
Individuals seeking employment in nurseries, preschools, and early years settings

Entry Requirements

Learners must be 16 years or older.
Access to a real work environment is mandatory, with at least 350 hours of practical placement required during the course.

Qualification Objectives

Upon completion, learners will:
Be qualified to work as Early Years Educators.
Be able to plan, lead, and deliver care and educational activities.
Meet the qualifications required for roles in nurseries, preschools, and similar settings.
Be prepared to progress to higher education, including Early Childhood Studies or Level 5 qualifications.

Course Modules and Units

Unit 1: Understanding Child Development

Birth to 7 years developmental milestones Theories of child development (Piaget, Vygotsky, Bruner, and others) Holistic development and influencing factors

Unit 3: Supporting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in the Early Years

Understanding diverse needs, cultural competence, and anti-discriminatory practices Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Unit 5: Curriculum and Assessment in Early Years Education

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework and its requirements Planning and delivering educational activities Observing and assessing children’s progress

Unit 7: Supporting Literacy and Numeracy in Early Years

Early literacy and language development strategies Developing number skills and problem-solving abilities Creating engaging resources for learning

Unit 10: Reflective Practice for Early Years Practitioners

Importance of self-evaluation in professional development Identifying areas for improvement and goal-setting Engaging in continuous professional development (CPD)

Unit 2: Promoting Children’s Health and Well-being

Ensuring physical and emotional well-being Nutrition and healthy lifestyles Managing illness, infection, and first aid in early years

Unit 4: Understanding Safeguarding and Child Protection

Safeguarding principles and legislation Identifying and managing risks of harm Procedures for disclosures and reporting

Unit 8: Building Positive Relationships and Supporting Behavior

Importance of secure attachments and responsive relationships Promoting positive behavior through guidance and support Conflict resolution techniques

Unit 9: Working with Families and Multi-agency Collaboration

Partnering with parents, carers, and external professionals Importance of family-centered approaches Benefits and challenges of multi-agency working

Workplace Placement Requirements

To complete this qualification, learners must spend a minimum of 350 hours in a real work setting. Work placements must provide opportunities to demonstrate competence in:
Supporting children’s play and development.
Promoting positive relationships and behavior.
Ensuring health, safety, and hygiene practices.

Assessment Methodology

Workplace Observations: Practical assessments by a qualified assessor in real-world settings.
Written Assignments: Demonstrating theoretical knowledge of early years practices.
Portfolio Development: Evidence of competence and application of knowledge through written reflections, reports, and case studies.

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion of the Level 3 Diploma, learners can:
Work as a qualified Early Years Educator in roles such as:
Nursery Practitioner
Preschool Educator
Reception Class Assistant
Progress to higher education:
Level 4 or 5 in Early Years or Childhood Education
University courses such as Early Childhood Studies

Application Fee £1995