Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education (RQF)

• Access Duration: 12 Months
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE  
• Guided Learning Hours: 539
• Total Qualification Time: 663
• Qualification Level: 3
• Qualification Number: 601/3999/7

• Explain the stages of child development from birth to age 5, focusing on physical, cognitive, emotional, and social growth. Learners will explore how children develop motor skills, language abilities, social interactions, and emotional regulation.
• Identify effective ways to support children’s emotional, social, and physical well-being in different childcare and educational settings. This includes promoting positive social interactions, encouraging emotional expression, and ensuring physical health and safety.
• Demonstrate knowledge of key childcare and education theories and how they apply to practice.
• Implement health and safety regulations, safeguarding policies, and risk assessments in childcare settings. Become well-versed in maintaining a safe environment for children, recognising signs of abuse or neglect, and following safeguarding protocols.
• Plan and evaluate activities that encourage children’s learning and development through play. Understand the importance of play-based learning in Early Years Education.
• Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with children, families, and professionals. Learn how to manage conflicts and provide constructive feedback to support children’s development.

• Teaching Assistants – Individuals supporting teachers in classrooms who want to deepen their knowledge of child development and enhance their skills to provide better educational support.
• Early Years Educators – Professionals working with young children in nurseries, preschools, or early learning settings who wish to gain a recognised qualification to advance their careers.
• Nursery Managers – Those overseeing nursery operations who want to strengthen their leadership skills and ensure high standards of childcare and education.
• Childminders – Independent caregivers looking to formalise their qualifications and expand their understanding of early childhood education and development.
• Family Support Workers – Professionals assisting families with young children who wish to gain deeper insights into child development to provide more effective guidance and support.
• Education Support Workers – Staff members who support educational activities and student learning, looking to enhance their qualifications and career prospects.
• Children and Family Support Workers – Those working with children and families in community or social care settings who want to expand their knowledge of child education and welfare.

The Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education (RQF) opens up a variety of rewarding career opportunities in the early years and education sector. You are equipped with essential knowledge and practical skills to work with children in various settings. You can pursue roles such as an Early Years Educator, where you support young children’s learning and development in nurseries, preschools, and daycare centres.

If you’re interested in leadership and management, this childcare and education qualification provides a solid foundation for advancing to supervisory or managerial positions, such as Nursery Manager or Room Leader. Furthermore, this childcare training course is a stepping stone for higher education, including a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or enroling in a university programme related to Childhood Studies, Early Years Education, or Primary Teaching. This also paves the way to a more specialised career such as an Early Years Teacher or Educational Consultant.

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

• Education Support Worker
• Early Years Practitioner
• Early Years Educator
• Children and Families Support Worker
• Nursery Manager
• Teaching Assistant
• Learning Mentor

• Learners over the age of 16 years are eligible to enrol for the course.  

• It is recommended that learners have a Level 2 qualification or equivalent. 

• You will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement in a childcare setting as you need to show competence in both knowledge and skills. Learners who work within such a setting which provides care and education for children across these age ranges and are able to gain the necessary hours of experience, need not seek placement outside of their setting. 

• This course can be completed in a matter of months or over the course of a year. Most learners will complete this course in 4-6 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 Certificate in Childcare and Education requires approximately 539 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.

• Written Assignments: You will complete written assignments to showcase your understanding and application of relevant knowledge. These assignments will be evaluated by a qualified assessor. You will receive detailed, constructive feedback and guidance from your personal tutor to help you improve and succeed.
• Workplace Observations: You will be required to undergo direct observation in a childcare setting to demonstrate your practical skills. It is recommended 365 hours are split across the following age ranges;
  • 0-1 years 11 months • 2-2 years 11 months • 3-5 years

• Portfolio of Evidence: You will compile a portfolio that includes documentation and other proof of your competency.
• Witness Testimonies: You may also provide witness testimonies or statements from your supervisor, line manager, or another qualified individual who is familiar with your role and the standards required to achieve this qualification.
• 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 ‘Enquire Now’ button below to get in touch with us.

A possible next step of Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 01: Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
• Step 02: Foundation Degree in Early Years or Childhood Studies
• Step 03: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies, Primary Education, or Child Psychology
• Step 04: PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS)

Additional qualifications you can progress to:

• Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner
• Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services

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.