Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) - RQF

• Access Duration: 12 Months
• Guided Learning Hours: 864
• Total Qualification Time: 950
• Qualification Level: 3
• UCAS Points: 64

• Gain in-depth knowledge of how children grow, learn, and develop from birth to age five, with additional insights into ages five to seven. Explore how children acquire language, develop motor skills, and form social relationships during their early years.
• Learn how to create engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences that support children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Be able to adapt educational experiences to accommodate different learning styles and abilities.
• Develop the skills to implement safeguarding policies and health and safety regulations. Recognise signs of abuse or neglect and understand the steps to take in reporting and documenting concerns.
• Learn to promote emotional resilience, positive behaviour, and mental well-being in young children. This includes teaching conflict resolution, empathy, effective communication, and creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages mutual respect.
• Understand strategies to enhance children’s language and communication skills. Gain insights into supporting children with speech delays or language barriers, ensuring inclusive communication practices for all children.
• Develop strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with children, families, and professionals. Be prepared to work and participate in discussions to enhance the quality of early years education.

• Teaching assistants – ideal for individuals who are passionate about working with young children and contributing to their early development.
• Early years educators – this qualification offers complete training in creating engaging and educational experiences for young children.
• Preschool workers – equips with the skills to facilitate fun and educational play experiences, manage group activities, and support children’s transition to formal schooling.
• Nursery managers – will learn how to maintain high standards of care and education while ensuring compliance with safeguarding and health and safety regulations.
• Nursery practitioners – responsible for supporting young children’s early learning and development.
• Education support workers – those who assist children with additional learning needs or disabilities.

The Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector opens the door to a range of rewarding career opportunities in early childhood education. As a Level 3 qualified Early Years Educator, you will be eligible to work in various early years settings, including nurseries, preschools, and reception classes. You can take on roles such as Nursery Practitioner, Early Years Teaching Assistant, or Preschool Supervisor, contributing to the development and well-being of young children. With experience, there are opportunities for career progression into leadership and management positions, such as Nursery Manager or Early Years Coordinator.

This Level 3 childcare qualification focuses on child development theories, safeguarding policies, and educational planning to equip you with the skills to create engaging and safe learning environments. Additionally, you may choose to specialise in areas like Special Educational Needs (SEN), child psychology, or early years curriculum development leading to roles such as Early Years Teacher, Child Development Specialist, or Educational Consultant.

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

• Early Years Practitioner
• Early Years Educator
• Early Years Teaching Assistant
• Nursery Practitioner
• Preschool Supervisor
• Education Support Worker
• Nursery Manager

• 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.
• It is suitable for learners to hold Level 2 Maths and English qualifications.
• This qualification requires learners to complete mandatory work/industry placement experience. Learners will need to be in their work placement for the whole duration of the course.

• This Level 3 Diploma can be completed over the course of 12 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 Level 3 Diploma in for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) requires approximately 864 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 suitable setting to demonstrate your practical skills. It is recommended you complete a minimum of 300 hours and undertake 350 hours where possible.
• 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 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
• Step 02: Foundation Degree in Early Years or Childcare
• 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 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (Early Years Management)
• BA (Hons) in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

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.