• Access Duration: 12 Months 
• Awarded by: Focus Awards   
• Type: Diploma 
• Credit Value: 62 
• Guided Learning Hours(GLH): 367 
• Total Qualification Time(TQT): 620 
• Qualification Level: 3  
• Qualification Number: 601/8715/3  
• Available: England & Northern Ireland 

• Understand the roles and responsibilities involved when working in an early years’ setting. 
• Learn about child development from birth to five years. 
• Promote the health, safety, and wellbeing of children in your care. 
• Ensure equality, diversity, and inclusion in early years settings. 
• Plan play activities to encourage children’s learning and development. 
• Be able to support children with additional needs in early years settings. 

• Early years educators 
• Early years practitioners 
• Nursery nurses 
• Childminders 
• Nannies 
• Home-based child carers 
• Pre-school assistants 

The Level 3 Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator) opens the door to various career opportunities in early years education and care. With this qualification, you can pursue roles such as early years educator, nursery nurse, or childminder. This qualification provides the opportunity to work in nurseries, children’s centres, day care centres, and preschools. Here are some job prospects you can pursue along with the average salary scale (Source: UK Glassdoor).   

• Childminder – £47,000 
• Preschool Assistant – £28,000 
• Early Years Educator – £27,000  
• Early Years’ Practitioner – £23,000  
• Nursery Nurse – £23,000  
• Nursery Worker – £21,000 

• Learners should be 16 years of age. 
• A minimum of Level 2 in literacy and numeracy or equivalent.  
• Practical experience in a suitable setting is recommended.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (9 -12 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (5 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 5 Diploma requires approximately 613 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

Method of Assessment

To complete the diploma, you must submit written assignments and show your knowledge in a workplace.

• Written assignments: Complete assignments and your assessor will mark your work and provide feedback.
• Practical Placement: You must complete at least 350 hours in an approved childcare setting where a qualified assessor will assess your skills with children in the following age groups:
  • 0-11 months
  • 2-2 years 11 months
  • 3-5 years
• Assessor Support: We provide full assessor support. You can contact us through telephone, WhatsApp, online discussion forums, email, and web chats.

A possible next step of Academic Progression Pathway:  

• The Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (RQF) 
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (RQF) 
• Foundation Degree in Early Years or Early Years Care and Education 

OFQUAL 

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

RQF 

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications by level and size. The RQF has 9 levels, starting from beginner level to advanced level. The purpose of RQF is to make it easier for learners and employers to understand what each qualification level means. 

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