Level 3 Diploma for working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (Work-based)

This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

This qualification is suitable for those who want to work in a range of early years settings and services with children from birth to 5 years and their families.

You will develop your knowledge, experience and practical skills to be able to meet the individual needs of a child in a supporting role.

You should be in paid employment or have a placement in an appropriate setting arranged before the start of the course, for a minimum of 6 hours per week, for the full two year duration of the course.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

This course has flexible start dates throughout the year and takes two years to complete.

The course is mainly assessed in the workplace and you will be assigned a tutor/assessor at the beginning of the course, who will work with you throughout the programme.

There is no full classroom activity, and you will arrange to meet the assessor in College or at your place of work.

What will I study?

You will study the following units:

• Introduction to the role of the early years educator
• Holistic child development
• Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Effective communication in an early years setting
• Safeguarding and welfare requirements
• Health, wellbeing and safety
• Promoting an effective early years curriculum
• Assessment of children’s learning and development
• Understanding play for learning and holistic development
• Partnership working

How is it assessed?

During the course you will access resources and submit work using an online portfolio. The course is assessed by a mixture of assessment tasks, research projects and performance on work placement.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have GCSE English at grade 4/C or above, a relevant Level 2 Functional Skills may also be accepted.

You must be working a minimum of 10 hours per week, preferably two days per week, or have volunteered for a minimum of 3 months prior in a suitable early years setting, working with under 5’s.  You will need to continue this for the duration of the course. 

You will need to pass a Disclosure and Baring Service Check and have an appropriate assessment outcome from induction.

What are the course fees?

The total cost of this course is £6,220.

You may be eligible for funding depending on your personal circumstances and subject to a fee assessment during the enrolment process. For further details, please visit our financial support pages.

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later. Loan eligibility is not dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments do not start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please visit our dedicated pages.

There are also a number of payment options including an interest-free payment plan with a monthly direct debit payment.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

On successful completion of this course, you will have the opportunity to progress directly on to the FdA Early Years Practice at University Centre St Helens.

Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. Knowsley Community College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.

Ref: Tammy Halliday