Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Early Years Education and Care (RQF)

• Plan, implement, and evaluate nutritional and exercise programmes for children.
• Create, support, and assess strategies for children’s emotional and mental health.
• Understand, apply, and evaluate care for mothers and infants effectively.
• Understand, implement, and adhere to legislation governing children’s welfare and safety.
• Develop, establish, and refine partnerships with parents and professional stakeholders.
• Engage in, evaluate, and improve reflective practices in early years.

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 
• Qualification Level: 3 
• Awarded by: NCFE CACHE
• Guided Learning Hours: 223
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 285
• Qualification number: 601/3955/9
• UCAS Points: 42

• Learners must be 16 years and above to enrol for this course.
• You will need a grade 4/C or above in GCSE or equivalent qualification in Maths and English.
• You will also need a practical placement in an early years setting.

• Nursery Managers
• Nursery Practitioners
• Preschool Teachers
• Early Years Coordinators
• Family Support Workers
• SEN (Special Educational Needs) Assistants
• Childminders / Nannies

• Written Assignments: You will complete written assignments which will be carefully reviewed and evaluated by an assessor. These assignments will allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the course content. All completed assignments are marked internally within South London College. You will receive constructive feedback and guidance from your personal tutor, which will support your learning and improvement.
• Direct Observation: You will be required to undergo direct observation in a suitable environment to demonstrate your practical skills.
• Assessor Support: You will have continuous access to your assessor through various communication channels, including Telephone, WhatsApp, online discussion forums, email, and web chats. This support will be available to assist you with any questions or concerns regarding your assessments.

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

• 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 Preparing to Work in Early Years Education and Care requires approximately 223 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 01: Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care
• Step 02: Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
• Step 03: Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies

Additional qualifications you can progress to:

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

Completing the Level 3 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Early Years Education and Care provides a robust foundation for a fulfilling career in early childhood education. This qualification is designed to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge needed to succeed in various roles within the early years sector. Certificate holders are well-prepared to enter a range of positions that can have a significant impact on children’s development and learning.

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

• Early Years Assistants
• Nursery Assistants
• Nursery Practitioners
• Teaching Assistants (Early Years)
• Pre-school Assistants
• Family Support Workers

• 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.