Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce

Cambridgeshire Early Childhood Qualifications Centre designs all courses to ensure learners gain the most current and up-to-date information knowledge and skills to work in the early childhood sector.

This Level 3 qualification is recognised by the Department of Education (DfE) as a ‘full and relevant’ license to practice in the early years workforce aimed at people who are working in early childhood qualifications to gain a deeper understanding of working in early years settings. The qualification aims to provide sound underpinning knowledge and skills for practitioners to become room leaders, deputy managers, or managers of settings.

Entry Requirements

Learners must be:

• Aged 19 or over
• Working or in an early years setting in Cambridgeshire for a minimum of six months with a contract to work a minimum of 16 hours a week
• Working with Children from birth to five years (if not working across the age ranges learners may need to plan a visit to another setting the Tutor will advise learners)
• Achieved GCSE Grade A* -C, or +4, or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and maths (certificates required with application)
• Hold a current Enhanced DBS for the setting they are working in
• Live in Cambridgeshire
• Have access to the internet and a computer/laptop or tablet to access Online training sessions and complete homework tasks which are set on an e-portfolio.

Qualification Overview

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with and care for children from birth to five years and gain knowledge of children aged five to seven years.

Throughout the qualification, learners will be required to attend a blended training session during term time. Themes for this will include:

• Theme 1: Health and well-being
• Theme 2: Legislation, frameworks, and professional practice
• Theme 3: Play, development, and learning for school readiness
• Theme 4: Professional development

Assessment

The tutor will assess the learner's knowledge and skills using a range of methods which will include the following:

• Set homework written tasks are set after each training session
• Work products will include Activity plans, completed risk assessments, and First Aid and Incident forms
• Reflection of practice both written and verbal
• Holistic Direct Observation in the workplace
• Professional Discussion either in the workplace or through a Teams call

Throughout the course, the tutor will:

• Deliver training sessions on each unit which are designed to support the learners in completing the set homework tasks
• Plan and carry out Direct Observation of the learner’s practice which will incorporate observation of planned activities as well as holistic opportunities
• Reflect with the learner on their practice which can be face to face or via a Teams call and support setting targets for the learner’s progression
• Plan and complete regular one-to-one reviews
• Ensure learners receive the support needed and adapt training to incorporate individual learning styles
• Endeavour to safeguard learners and challenge any discriminatory behaviour.

All evidence will be saved in the learner's e-portfolio which will map across to the qualification criteria to achieve the qualification.

On Completion of this full Level 3 qualification, learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators (EYE) and work in a range of roles which include:

• Practitioner in day nurseries
• Practitioner in nursery schools
• Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
• Pre-school worker
• Home-based childcarer

The estimated completion time is 15 months depending on learner motivation and commitment.