Overview
The Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education provides an integrated study of child development, learning and early education across Levels 4 and 5. It examines children’s physical, cognitive, linguistic, personal, social and emotional growth; play-based learning; pedagogical approaches; partnership with families; inclusion; safeguarding; and transitions. Learners develop the ability to evaluate established and contemporary theories and relate them to inclusive early childhood education and practice.
The level 5 extended diploma in early childhood education provides a broad pathway for learners who want to develop knowledge of child development, learning, inclusion and early years practice.
For those comparing early childhood education courses, this programme combines Level 4 and Level 5 study across key areas of early childhood learning and development.
The Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education as academically comparable to a Higher National Diploma (HND) and Year 2 of a three-year UK bachelor’s degree; the Extended Diploma covers the first two levels of undergraduate study.
The OTHM level 5 extended diploma in early childhood education can support progression towards higher-level study while developing knowledge relevant to early childhood education and practice.
Benefits of Doing the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Studying Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education online offers learners a flexible, accessible, and career-focused route to advancing their skills within the sector. Key benefits include:
This early childhood education course provides structured study across child development, learning, safeguarding, inclusion and early years pedagogy.
- Flexible Learning
- Learners can study at their own pace and schedule, making it easier to balance education with work, family responsibilities, or other commitments.
- The flexible format can be useful for learners comparing early childhood education courses that can be studied around existing personal or professional responsibilities.
- Cost-Effective
- Online learning removes the need for travel, accommodation, and other campus-related expenses, making education more affordable.
- Studying an early childhood education course online can also reduce some of the additional costs associated with regular campus-based learning.
- 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.
- These resources support learners throughout the level 5 extended diploma in early childhood education, helping them develop knowledge across child development, communication, play and inclusive practice.
- Career Advancement Opportunities
- The qualification develops essential leadership and management skills, supporting progression into a university.
- Completing the OTHM level 5 extended diploma in early childhood education can also support progression towards further study and professional development related to early childhood education.
Course Delivery
The qualification is delivered fully online through:
The online delivery model provides a flexible way to complete this early childhood education course while continuing with existing work or personal commitments.
- Virtual Learning Platform: Access to study materials and resources 24/7.
- Tutor Support: Regular guidance via email, online forums,
- Independent Study: Learners study at their own pace with structured guidance.
- Obtain assignment: marking and feedback.
- Online Assessments: Assignments, projects, and portfolios submitted on LSM.
- Acquire: Assignment briefing, study lesson plan
- Receive excellent-quality study notes.
- Receive dedicated customer support via chat, telephone, and email (Monday to Friday)
For learners exploring early childhood and education courses, this programme provides structured learning across early years development, pedagogy, safeguarding, inclusion and transitions.
Course Quick Summary (Ofqual Regulated UK Qualification)
- Study Mode: 100% Online, Self-paced
- Accreditation: OTHM Qualifications
- Duration: 9-12 Months.
- Assessment: Assignment-based (No Exams)
- Requirements: Open access / Career experience
- Tutor Support: Unlimited academic tutor guidance
Learning Outcomes
Understand traditional and contemporary views and theories of growth and development.
Understand the role of reflexes and the role of the senses.
Understand locomotion.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the importance of promoting diversity, equality and inclusion.
Understand how to develop inclusive relationships through equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice.
Understand barriers to parents being involved in their children’s early learning.
Learning Outcomes
Understand how play and learning activities promote children’s learning and development.
Understand curriculum approaches to outdoor play.
Understand how to support purposeful play.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the role of communication and language in children’s development.
Understand the development of communication and language.
Understand the critical periods of language development.
Learning Outcomes
Understand different aspects of personal development.
Understand emotional development.
Understand social development.
Learning Outcomes
Understand the role of the pedagogue in supporting children’s learning and development.
Understand how to involve the family and the home learning environment.
Understand the concepts of making creativity part of the curriculum.
Learning Outcomes
Understand theoretical perspectives of behaviour.
Understand the social learning theory of child development.
Understand Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory.
Learning Outcomes
Understand a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities.
Understand the principles of working inclusively with disabled children with specific requirements.
Understand how to work in partnership with parents and/or carers of disabled children with specific requirements.
Learning Outcomes
Understand current legislative frameworks and regulatory guidance relating to safeguarding children.
Understand how to respond to allegations that a child has been abused or harmed
Understand ways in which early years professionals can effectively contribute to safeguarding and keeping children safe
Learning Outcomes
Understand what emergent literacy is.
Understand the role of the adult in preparing children for reading.
Understand how to support children in making connections through early mark-making and writing development.
Learning Outcomes
Understand what “transition” means
Understand the effects of transitions on children and their families.
Understand strategies to support transitions.
Entry Requirements
- Learners are typically aged 18 or above.
- A relevant Level 3 or Level 4 diploma (or equivalent)
Qualifications
OTHM's objective is the creation and conferral of high-quality certifications that combine strict educational requirements and professional relevance. OTHM is acknowledged as an Awarding Organisation by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator for England, guaranteeing that all its programmes adhere to high regulatory standards. OTHM aligns with worldwide quality frameworks, allowing global recognition of its certifications while ensuring consistency, integrity, and excellence in its awarding processes.
The OTHM level 5 extended diploma in early childhood education provides a recognised qualification pathway for learners looking to strengthen their knowledge through a comprehensive early childhood education course.
Assessment requirements
- Assessment is via assignment submission only.
- No Exams
Average completion timeframe (Course Duration)
- The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 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 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education
1. Higher Education
Successful learners may be considered for relevant UK bachelor’s degree programmes, potentially with advanced standing, subject to each university’s admission, credit-recognition and subject requirements.
- Relevant undergraduate early childhood education or childhood studies programmes.
- Relevant education, child development or early years degree progression pathways.
- Other suitable qualifications recognised by the receiving institution.
2. Employment Opportunities
The award may support professional development for roles related to early childhood learning and child development. Suitability for regulated childcare roles is subject to employer requirements, safeguarding checks and any applicable occupational or statutory qualification criteria.
- Early Years Education Practitioner or Support Worker
- Early Childhood Education Assistant
- Nursery or Preschool Teaching Assistant
- Family Learning Support Worker
- Early Years Learning and Development Coordinator
- Child Development and Inclusion Support Roles
| Plan Name | Regular Fee | Discounted Fee | % Discount | Deposit | Instalments | Fast Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Single Payment
|
£1,400 | £854.00 | 39% | — |
£909.99
1 months
|
|
|
3 Months Plan
|
£1,400 | £854.00 | 39% | £313 |
£270.50
2 months
|
— |
|
6 Months Plan
|
£1,400 | £854.00 | 39% | £145 |
£141.80
5 months
|
— |
|
9 Months Plan
RECOMMENDED
|
£1,400 | £854.04 | 39% | £111 |
£92.88
8 months
|
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