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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: 07- 09 Months.
- Assessment: Assignment-based (No Exams)
- Requirements: Open access / Career experience
- Tutor Support: Unlimited academic tutor guidance
Modules
The qualification comprises 15 mandatory units with a combined total of 83 credits. All units and evidence of RWE must be completed to receive the Diploma.
All Units are mandatory
Unit 1 Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through food, nutrition and exercise
- Understand the impact of food and nutrition on children’s health and development.
- Understand individuals’ dietary requirements and preferences
- Be able to support children’s healthy eating
Unit 2 Supporting physical care routines for children and for unwell children
- Be able to support the physical care needs of children.
- Understand hygienic practice in providing physical care to children
- Understand childhood immunisation
Unit3 Promoting children's emotional well-being, social and emotional development
- Understand children’s emotional well-being needs, personal, social and emotional development.
- Understand the needs of children during transitions and significant events..
Unit 4 Understanding the needs of the mother and baby pre-conception, during pregnancy and the first year of life
- Understand a baby’s development from conception to end of gestation.
- Understand post-natal care.
Unit 5 The role of the Early Years practitioner
- Understand the role of the Early Years practitioner.
- Be able to communicate to meet individuals’ needs and preferences.
Unit 6 Legislation relating to Early Years practice
- 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
Unit 7 Working in partnership
- Understand the principles of partnership working when working with children.
- Understand how to work in partnership when working with children
Unit 8 Supporting children through play in Early Years
- Understand the role of play at different stages of children’s development
- Understand different types of play for all children.
Unit 9 Developing the literacy, mathematical and communication skills of children
- Understand the language and communication needs of children
- Be able to support children’s literacy, language and communication needs
Unit 10 Understand the needs of the child in preparing for school
- 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.
Unit 11 Understanding children’s cognitive development
- Understand the cognitive development of children
- Understand approaches to planning when working with children from birth to 7 years.
Unit 12 Promoting the physical development of children
- Understand children’s physical development
- Understand theory and current frameworks in relation to children’s physical development.
Unit 13 Understand theory and current frameworks in relation to children’s physical development.
- 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
Unit 14 Using studies and tools to promote the development of children
- 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.
Unit 15 Professional development for Early Years Educators
- 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.
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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Single Payment
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£1,250 | £1,149.99 | 8% | — |
£1,149.99
1 months
|
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3 Months Plan
|
£1,250 | £1,179.99 | 5% | £393 |
£393.35
2 months
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— |
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6 Months Plan
|
£1,250 | £1,209.99 | 3% | £150 |
£212.00
5 months
|
— |
|
9 Months Plan
RECOMMENDED
|
£1,250 | £1,239.99 | 0% | £100 |
£142.50
8 months
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Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about this course, enrolment, payments and certification.
