Overview
The Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) is a fully recognised qualification designed for individuals who want to work in a professional childcare role with babies, toddlers, and young children from birth to 5 years. This diploma qualifies learners to work unsupervised in early years settings and is considered the standard requirement for becoming an Early Years Educator in the UK.
This qualification provides a strong foundation in understanding child development, safeguarding, supporting learning through play, promoting health and wellbeing, and delivering high-quality care in early years settings. It is ideal for those already working in childcare or those who want to build a long-term career in nurseries, preschools, reception classes, and early education environments.
Do you need to be working to take the qualification?
Before certification, learners must complete a mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of the qualification.
Age range Hours:
0–1 year 11 months 50
2–2 years 11 months 280
3–5 years 400
Benefits of Doing Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) Online
Studying Doing Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education online offers learners a flexible, accessible, and career-focused route to advancing their skills within the sector. Key benefits include:
- Flexible Learning
- Learners can study at their own pace and schedule, making it ideal for those balancing work, family, or other commitments.
- Cost-Effective
- Online learning removes the need for travel, accommodation, and other campus-related expenses, making education more affordable.
- Access to Quality Resources
- Students gain access to interactive digital learning materials, recorded lectures, case studies, and dedicated tutor support through an online learning portal.
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- The qualification develops teaching, assessment, planning, and learner-support skills, supporting progression into education, training, assessing, or teaching-support roles.
Course Delivery
The qualification is delivered fully online through:
- Virtual Learning Platform: Access study materials and course resources 24/7.
- Tutor Support: Receive guidance and academic support through online communication channels.
- Independent Study: Study at your own pace with structured learning materials.
- Assignment Guidance: Access assignment briefs, submission guidance, and feedback.
- Online Assessment: Submit assignments, projects, or portfolios through the learner portal.
- Study Resources: Use digital notes, learning materials, and supporting resources.
- Learner Support: Receive dedicated support via chat, telephone, and email Monday to Friday.
Course Quick Summary (Ofqual Regulated UK Qualification)
- Study Mode: 100% Online, Self-paced
- Accreditation: QUALIFI Qualifications
- Duration: 7-9 Months.
- Assessment: Assignment-based (No Exams)
- Requirements: Open access / Career experience
- Tutor Support: Unlimited academic tutor guidance
Learning Outcomes
Be able to support the physical care needs of children.
Understand hygienic practice in providing physical care to children
Understand childhood immunisation
Learning Outcomes
Understand children’s emotional well-being needs, personal, social and emotional development.
Understand the needs of children during transitions and significant events..
Learning Outcomes
Understand a baby’s development from conception to end of gestation.
Understand post-natal care.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the role of the Early Years practitioner.
Be able to communicate to meet individuals’ needs and preferences.
Learning Outcomes
Understand legislation and guidelines for the safeguarding, protection, and welfare of children
Understand how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child has been abused or harmed
Learning Outcomes
Understand the principles of partnership working when working with children.
Understand how to work in partnership when working with children
Learning Outcomes
Understand the role of play at different stages of children’s development
Understand different types of play for all children.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the language and communication needs of children
Be able to support children’s literacy, language and communication needs
Learning Outcomes
Understand the meaning of ‘school readiness’ in relation to the role of the Early Years practitioner.
Understand the way in which working in partnership with others contributes to children’s school readiness.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the cognitive development of children
Understand approaches to planning when working with children from birth to 7 years.
Learning Outcomes
Understand children’s physical development
Understand theory and current frameworks in relation to children’s physical development.
Learning Outcomes
Understand biological, environmental and developmental factors which may result in children needing additional support
Understand the principles of inclusive practice as they relate to children with additional needs
Learning Outcomes
Understand the uses and methods of observation
Understand professional practice in relation to the observation of children
Be able to carry out observations in line with current frameworks.
Learning Outcomes
Understand professional development.
Be able to use reflective practice to contribute to their own professional development.
Entry Requirements
- To study a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)learner must be aged of 16 and above.
- Relevant Level 2 or 3 Diploma qualification or equivalent qualification.
Qualifications
At the core of Qualifi’s mission is the creation and awarding of respected qualifications, built on a rigorous focus on high standards and consistency. Qualifi is recognised as an Awarding Organisation (AO) by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England, and is also a signatory to the BIS international quality commitments.
UCAS Tariff Points
Available Grade & Points Breakdown
Plan Your University Progression
Use our interactive calculator to combine this qualification with your other qualifications and see your total UCAS entry tariff.
Calculate Your UCAS Points →Assessment requirements
- Tutor-marked assignments and workplace observations
Average completion timeframe (Course Duration)
- The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 07-09 Months.
- Learners are granted a maximum of two years’ access to complete the course from the date of enrolment.
Certificate & Transcript Information
Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will receive an electronic certificate and transcript according to the awarding body’s certificate policy.
Hard Copy Delivery Charges:
Ordering a hard copy certificate and transcript is optional. If the learner requires a hard copy certificate and transcript, the applicable hard copy and delivery charges must be paid separately. For certificate-related support, please contact info@directskills.co.uk.
Progression – Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care
Successful completion of the qualification allows learners to progress in several ways:
- Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practitioner
- Level 4 Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services
- Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Access to Higher Education in Childhood Studies
- Foundation Degree in Early Years / Childcare
- Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education or Child Development
2. Employment Opportunities
Learners can advance into a variety of entry-level roles within legal and professional organisations, including:
- Early Years Educator
- Nursery Practitioner
- Preschool Assistant
- Reception Class Assistant
- Childminder Assistant
- Playgroup Worker
- Classroom Assistant (Early Years)
- Support Worker in Early Years Settings
With experience, learners can progress into roles such as:
- Senior Nursery Practitioner
- Room Leader
- Deputy Manager
- Nursery Manager
| Plan Name | Regular Fee | Discounted Fee | % Discount | Deposit | Instalments | Fast Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Single Payment
|
£1,250 | £762.50 | 39% | — |
£978.99
1 months
|
|
|
3 Months Plan
|
£1,200 | £732.00 | 39% | £336 |
£198.00
2 months
|
— |
|
6 Months Plan
|
£1,200 | £732.00 | 39% | £145 |
£117.40
5 months
|
— |
|
9 Months Plan
RECOMMENDED
|
£1,200 | £732.00 | 39% | £100 |
£79.00
8 months
|
— |