Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) - RQF

• The course is self-paced, allowing you to revisit the material and complete it at any time within the provided access duration.

Ofqual-regulated qualifications are overseen by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England. Ofqual is England’s main government-appointed regulatory body regulating school, college, and vocational qualifications in the UK. Ofqual ensures these qualifications meet high standards of quality and rigour, providing assurance they are recognised and respected by employers, educational institutions, and professional bodies. This oversight guarantees the qualifications maintain consistency, transparency, and credibility, meaning potential employers and organisations will have confidence in the individual’s skills and abilities, making them competitive candidates. They support professional development and compliance with industry standards, particularly in regulated fields such as healthcare, education, and public services. Ofqual-regulated qualifications are accepted abroad or can be easily converted to the country’s equivalent.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.

• Duration: 365 Days 
• Level: 3 
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE
• Guided Learning Hours: 691
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 861
• Qualification number: 601/2147/6
• UCAS Points: 112 

• Implement strategies to promote healthy eating, exercise, and physical care for children.
• Create supportive environments that foster emotional well-being and care for unwell children.
• Grasp the fundamentals of the early years practitioner’s role and pertinent legislation.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, equality, diversity, and health and safety legislation.
• Design and lead play activities and environments that enhance school readiness and development.
• Engage in professional development and collaborate effectively with parents and agencies.

• Nursery Practitioners
• Nursery School Practitioners
• Nursery Managers
• Early Years Educators
• Childcare Workers
• Family Support Workers
• Pre-School Teachers
• Therapists
• Teaching Assistants
• Nannies / Childminders

• No prior experience is required to enrol for this course.
• Learners must be over 16 years of age.
• It is recommended learners have English and Maths GCSE at Grade C/4 (or above).
• You will need to complete a work placement of at least 350 hours to gain your qualification. Your placement can be paid or voluntary and must be completed in a childcare setting.

• Written Assignments: After each unit, you will be required to complete an assignment. These assignments must be submitted to your assessor for marking.
• Real Work Environment: Toward the end of the course, certain units will require you to provide evidence from hands-on experience in a childcare setting that caters to children aged 0-5 years.
• Direct Observations: You will need to undergo direct observation in a childcare setting, focusing on children aged 0-5.
• Work Placement: To gather the necessary evidence, you should undertake either a paid or voluntary work placement in a childcare setting. The observations should be conducted by an individual within your organisation who has occupational competence and the ability to supervise adequately. This person must provide written evidence of the tasks performed.
• Assessor Support: You will have full access to your assessor for guidance and support through telephone, WhatsApp, online discussions, email, and web chats.

For further details or any specific questions about the assessment process, please click the ‘Enquiry’ button below to get in touch with us.

• Upon successful completion of the course, individuals will be awarded the Ofqual-regulated Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) by NCFE CACHE . 

• This course can be completed in a matter of months or over the course of a year. Most working professionals will complete this course in approximately 6-9 months. Some learners may complete the course quicker, depending on their personal circumstances and available study time. We will accommodate your pace, providing unlimited support for 12 months.
• The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) requires approximately 691 guided study hours. This figure is an estimate and depends on how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how quickly you grasp the teaching, learning concepts, and course materials.

Next Steps for a Possible Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 1: Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
• Step 2: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies or education studies
• Step 3: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Step 4: Master’s degree in education (optional)

Alternative additional qualifications you can progress to;

• Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (Early Years Pathway)

Completing the Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) opens up numerous career opportunities in the statutory, voluntary, or private sectors. This qualification equips learners with essential skills and knowledge to support and nurture young children in various educational settings. As a qualified Early Years Educator, you will be well-prepared to take on a range of rewarding and unsupervised job roles, reflecting your expertise and dedication to early childhood development. Additionally, the competencies gained through this course are highly versatile and applicable across multiple career paths within the early years sector.

Here are some career prospects you can explore, once you’ve achieved the Level 3 Diploma.

• Early Years Educators
• Nursery Practitioners
• Childcare Workers
• Family Support Workers
• Pre-School Teachers
• Therapists
• Teaching Assistants
• Preschool Workers
• Child Carers

These roles allow you to make a significant impact on the lives of young children, fostering their growth and development in crucial early years settings. With this diploma, you will be positioned to advance your career and pursue further specialisation within the field of early childhood education.

• From day one, we go above and beyond to help you succeed in your studies. The most valuable resource available to all our students is their tutor. When you enrol in this course, you are assigned a personal tutor with in-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen subject.
• Your assessment will be marked by your personal tutor, who will provide detailed feedback during your formative submissions. In addition to this, your tutor will offer pointers and advice on where you can improve. This guidance helps you get the most from your courses and continually enhance your skills.
• Our dedicated student support team is also readily available to provide advice and guidance, helping you navigate your course materials and resolve any queries. With just one click, you can trust that assistance is always there when you need it.