Early Years Educator – Level 3

• 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) and above, including English and maths

or 

• Level 2 vocational qualification at Merit or Distinction and Level 2 qualifications in English and maths

or

• Scottish equivalent
• Mature students with relevant experience and/or other qualifications may be eligible
• The course requires students to undertake a work placement, which may involve work with children or vulnerable adults, therefore applicants who are not already in relevant employment will be required to obtain a State of Disclosure from the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS)
• In addition, you must also have two references

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

Upon successful completion of this course you will achieve a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)

• Understand the value of play in Early Years
• Plan, lead and review play opportunities which support children's learning and development in relation to current frameworks
• Apply theoretical perspectives and philosophical approaches to play
• Contribute to enabling play environments
• Develop emergent literacy skills of children
• Develop emergent mathematical skills of children
• Understand the needs of children in preparing for school
• Understand how to plan to meet the needs of the developing child
• Facilitate the cognitive development of children
• Develop the speech, language and communication of children
• Promote the physical development of children
• Promote the personal, social and emotional development of children 
• Support children with additional needs
• Use longitudinal studies to observe, assess and plan for children's needs
• Use observation, assessment and planning to promote the development of children 

• Attend college 2 days per week plus 2 days practical placement
• Working in a variety of settings including childminders, nurseries, pre-schools and schools
• Guided independent study
• Group activities
• Guest lectures

• Observation in placement
• Portfolio of evidence
• Exam
• External assignment
• Longitudinal study

Students studying this Early Years Practitioner course will spend a minimum requirement of 750 hours in a work placement required to complete the 2-year course. 

If you do not hold English or maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you will be supported with dedicated lessons to help you achieve English and maths qualifications.

English and maths will be embedded throughout your course during lessons and practical tasks as it is vital to understand adult to child ratios, data related to child progress assessments and teaching emerging maths and literacy skills.

On successful completion of this course, you will achieve practitioner status, with a ‘licence to practice’ in the early years setting. You can also proceed to University for further study. 

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.