• Access Duration:  365 Days
• Awarded by: Qualifi
• Qualification Level:  Level 3
• Qualification Number: 610/0013/6
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 525
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 830
• Credits: 83
• UCAS Points: 48

• Understand the role of an Early Years Practitioner & gain insight into your responsibilities in supporting children’s care, development, and wellbeing.
• Support child development & apply knowledge of developmental stages to plan, observe, and encourage learning through play and structured activities.
• Communicate effectively to build strong communication skills with children, parents, colleagues, and other professionals to foster positive relationships.
• To recognise the importance of safeguarding, health, and safety in early years settings, and to know how to respond appropriately.
• Work collaboratively to understand how to collaborate with colleagues, families, and external agencies to provide consistent, high-quality care.
• Develop skills in self-reflection and professional development to enhance practice and support continuous improvement in childcare settings.

The Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) is ideal for anyone looking to build a career in early childhood education and care. It’s perfect for those who want to gain a formal qualification in early years care, improve their employability, and confidently step into professional early years roles. 

Ideal learners include: 

• Individuals starting a career in early years care or nursery settings. 
• Support staff or assistants in preschools or childcare centres who want a recognised qualification. 
• Those looking to strengthen their practical skills in child-centred care, safeguarding, and early learning activities. 
• Aspiring Early Years Practitioners aiming to progress to Level 3 or higher qualifications.
• Anyone passionate about supporting children’s development and creating a safe, stimulating environment for learning. 

• You can apply if you are 16 years or older.
• As part of the application process, you’ll be invited to attend a friendly interview with South London College. This helps us understand your experience, goals, and how we can best support you.
• You’ll need to meet certain English language standards to ensure you can succeed in your studies. If English is not your first language, our team will guide you through the requirements and discuss the support available.
• International qualifications will be reviewed to confirm they align with UK higher education entry standards.
• We usually ask for two references, ideally including one academic reference.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (8 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (4 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 3 Diploma requires approximately 525 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

• There are no formal exams.
• Continuous assessment: You’ll be assessed throughout your course rather than by one final exam.
• Assignments and written work: Each unit has assignments that you complete to show your understanding of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria, essentially your ability to apply knowledge in early years contexts.
• Workplace evidence: Practical evidence from your real work environment (such as nurseries or early years settings) is used to demonstrate competence.
• Assessor judgement: Your completed evidence is checked by a qualified assessor who judges whether you meet the standards.
• External verification: An external verifier from Qualifi confirms that assessments are fair and meet the qualification’s requirements.

Mentor Guidance and Support

• Our experienced mentors will guide and support you throughout the assessment process. You can reach them via email.

The Level 3 Diploma is designed for learners aiming to become fully qualified Early Years Educators. You’ll gain practical experience, applied knowledge, and professional confidence to support children’s learning and development from birth to age 5, while understanding growth up to age 7.

Potential Progression Pathways

• Step 1: Level 4 Diploma in Early Childhood Education
• Step 2: Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education
• Step 3: Level 6 Diploma in Leadership and Administration within Early Learning and Care

Alternative Pathways

• Level 3 Diploma in Understanding Autism
• Level 3 Diploma in Child Psychology

Take your passion for working with children to the next level with the Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care. This qualification gives you the practical skills, professional knowledge, and confidence to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing from birth to age 5, while understanding growth up to age 7. You’ll also develop key professional skills like observation, planning, safeguarding, and reflective practice, preparing you to take on more responsibility in early years settings.

Potential Roles and Approximate UK Salaries:

• Early Years Educator: £25,000
• Nursery Practitioner: £26,000
• Pre-School Room Leader: £28,000
• SEN Support Worker (Early Years Specialist): £28,000

Completing the Level 3 Diploma opens doors to more senior and specialised roles. It also provides a clear pathway to Level 4 and Level 5 Diplomas in Early Childhood Education, and even leadership or higher education opportunities, helping you grow your career and increase your earning potential in the early years sector.

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet rigorous national standards, giving you confidence that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high-quality and widely accepted by employers and universities.