Course Overview
If you’re passionate about working with young children and want to build a career in early years education, this nationally recognised qualification is for you.
This course prepares you to become an Early Years Educator, enabling you to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain a solid understanding of child development up to age 7.
You’ll gain the essential skills and knowledge needed to work confidently in early years, supporting children’s learning, development and care.
This qualification has been allocated UCAS points, which could support your application to higher education. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the UCAS website.
Course Code: L3EYE001
Course Details
Duration: 78 weeks approx.
Location: Various times and locations – you can join this course at any time of year.
Fee Information
Cost: £0
This course can be fully funded (FREE) for people aged 19 or over who:
- live in Somerset (not including Bath & North-East Somerset/North Somerset)
- have lived in the UK/EU for the last 3 years or have leave to remain
- meet at least one of the following
- Be unemployed or
- earning under £25,000/year
Somerset learners aged 19-23 are eligible for funding if they are aged 19 or above on 31 August within the 2024 to 2025 funding year, enrol on the level 3 FCFJ qualification approved for funding and have not achieved a full level 3 and earn above the earnings threshold.
Proof of eligibility will be required.
Entry Requirements
To study for this qualification, you will need to be aged 19 or over and working or volunteering in an Early Years Childcare setting for at least 10 hours a week.
You should ideally have the equivalent of Level 2 literacy skills, however, a formal qualification is not required as this will be assessed prior to starting the course.
You will need access to the internet and a computer/laptop to complete the coursework.
Assessment
You must complete a total of 10 mandatory units to successfully complete this Level 3 Early Years course.
Placements are required for achievement of this qualification. A minimum of 350 placement hours is required. During placement, you will need support from a professional within the real work environment who will be required to complete professional development records.
Your tutor will support you through assessing your work and provide you with constructive feedback regularly to help you produce the standard of evidence required for this qualification.
Progression
Once you’ve completed this qualification, you’ll gain your licence to practise – meaning you can step into a professional role as an Early Years Educator.
You could go on to work in a variety of settings, including:
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Day nurseries
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Nursery schools
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Reception classes in primary schools
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Pre-schools
You’ll also have the option to continue your learning with higher-level qualifications, such as the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner, or other advanced early years courses.
Not sure what’s next? Have a chat with our expert tutor team – we’re here to help you plan your next steps.
Interested in this course?
Submit an initial enquiry and we’ll get you started!
