NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)

An ideal qualification for learners seeking the skills and knowledge needed for a career involving children within an Ofsted-regulated environment. Early Years Educator Level 3 allows you to gain a Licence to Practice as an early years educator.

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Are you ready to change your world?

Due to high capacity this course is temporarily unavailable until early May 2023.

We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience. We’ve experienced a high level of interest this year. We hope you will consider joining us in May!

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Overview

If you’re looking to gain full practitioner status as an early years’ educator, also known as EYE, then this Early Years Educator Level 3 diploma is the course for you.

After completion of your diploma in early years education, you’ll be fully qualified and ready to begin work as a nursery nurse, reception practitioner, private nanny, or one of many other positions which involve working closely with young children. You’ll combine studying online with a practical placement of at least 350 hours in a childcare role, as you develop your skills and help children to learn, grow, and thrive.

During the course of this approved and NCFE CACHE-accredited Early Years qualification, you’ll learn how to meet all of the physical, social, and emotional needs of children ages 0-5, whilst also gaining knowledge of how best to work with children ages 5-7. You’ll explore how to support a healthy lifestyle through nutrition and exercise, how to promote children’s speech and language skills, as well as gain other vital knowledge regarding safeguarding and health and safety legislation within an Ofsted-regulated environment.

As a qualified level 3 early years educator, you’ll be able to gain employment in roles including:

  • Nursery nurse
  • Children’s centre worker
  • Early years educator
  • Early years teacher
  • Private nanny
  • Childminder
  • Playschool attendant

To begin your new career journey, all you need is this qualification and your English and maths level 2 qualifications. With both of these in your pocket, you’ll be included in the level 3 staff-to-child ratio in childcare settings.

Before studying Early Years level 3, you may wish to study early years level 2. After you’ve completed your level 3 studies, you may wish to progress to early years level 4 and early years level 5

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Health and wellbeing in young children

In this unit, you’ll look at supporting children’s development through healthy eating and exercise. You’ll study local and national initiatives aimed at keeping children fit and healthy, the importance of sleep for babies and young children, SIDS prevention, and common childhood illnesses. You’ll also explore the ways in which you can support children’s emotional wellbeing, and what you need to know about taking care of children who are unwell.

Unit 2 - Legislation, frameworks and professional practice in early years settings

In this unit, you’ll study the legislation relating to the safeguarding, protection and welfare of children. You’ll learn about different types of neglect and abuse, and how to spot them, along with the responsibilities of the practitioner and the relevant policies and procedures that must be followed. Next, you’ll explore legislation relating to equality, diversity, and inclusivity, the impact of discrimination, and the laws that have been brought in place to prevent this. Finally, you’ll learn about the importance of working with parents, colleagues, and other professionals, and how to encourage parents to take an active role in their child’s development.

Unit 3 - Theme 3: Play, development and school readiness

In this unit, you’ll learn about the importance of supporting young children’s development through play. You’ll find out how to support emergent literacy and mathematical skills, ways in which you can support a child in their transition to school, and strategies for supporting cognitive skills. You’ll discover the ways in which you can support children with additional needs, and how you can use observation, assessment, and planning to promote and support child development. Finally, you’ll learn how to use longitudinal studies observe, assess, and plan for children’s needs.

Extra info

Awarding Body

CACHE logo

CACHE stands for the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education, and are the leading specialist Awarding Organisation for the Care and Education Sector.

Click here to confirm it's real with OfQual.

Course Outcome

Upon graduation, you’ll attain fully-qualified status in the sector, as well as a license and the right to practice in the childcare workforce as an Early Years Educator. You’ll also be awarded a formal certificate of achievement from NCFE CACHE.

Once complete, you can progress into various job roles in the statutory within an Ofsted-regulated environment, voluntary or private sectors such as:

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

How is this course assessed or examined?

As you progress on this course, you will be continually assessed on your ability to work at Level 3. The course takes place across 23 units, with learners required to achieve a total of 61 credits. You’ll need to volunteer at a practical placement for at least 350 hours, complete a longitudinal study, and show competence in a real work environment. You’ll be assessed during observations, which should take place during your normal daily routine. Your Oxbridge tutor will mark your written assignments as well as sign off your observations.

Your performance in the workplace can be assessed by a workplace assessor who has held a supervisory role for over two years and has an Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above. Alternatively, you can choose an assessor who holds a qualification such as A1 or CAVA, alongside an Early Years qualification at Level 3 or above. Oxbridge will verify the suitability of your assessor, and offer free guidance as to how to observe and write in a format suitable for marking by your tutor. An Oxbridge assessor can also be provided for you if required, for an additional fee. Find out more about what’s required of an assessor here.

When you submit your written work, you will be required to include a bibliography using clear citations and references. You will also need to provide documentation of your work, such as an evidence record, and a log of placement hours. Your tutor will explain exactly what is needed.

Entry requirements

You don’t need any prior skills or qualifications in order to enrol on this course. However, you must be at least 16 years old, and we would suggest that you’ve worked with children before or hold a level 2 qualification in childcare.

FAQs

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

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What qualifications do I need to work in a nursery?

No official qualifications are required in order to work as a nursery assistant. However, getting qualified will help you stand out from other candidates, and help you progress in your nursery career.

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Do you need Maths and English for Childcare Level 3?

The entry requirements for a career in childcare will vary depending on your role and responsibilities. With that said, employers will likely expect candidates to hold a maths and English qualification at GCSE level as a minimum requirement.

If you don’t currently have these, don’t worry. We recommend that you get in touch with our learning advisors for support and advice. Alternatively, it’s never too late to achieve fantastic GCSE grades through an online course.

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What are the benefits of studying your Childcare courses from home?

By studying childcare from home, you take away the strain of having to travel to a particular place at a specific time and learn at a pace that’s dictated by your entire class.

So whether you’re an early riser or concentrate better late at night, you’re in complete control of your study schedule and can spend as much or as little time as you need on each unit; that’s why so many of our students complete their courses much sooner than anticipated.

Additionally, you can reap the advantages of one-on-one time with your personal tutor; whether you need help or advice, they are fully qualified in the sector you’re hoping to work in. All of our tutors love seeing their students succeed; it’s not just a job to them; they genuinely are rooting for you.

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Why study a Childcare course online with Oxbridge?

In addition to all of the benefits mentioned above, we have a much higher-than-average pass rate, 20% higher to be precise, which we believe is down to our excellent tutors and learning materials, including videos, e-books and quizzes.

It’s our mission to make childcare training fun and exciting, the way it always should have been. But, sadly, that’s not the experience many of our students have had with traditional education.

From early years practitioners to SEN specialists, our courses can help you follow your passion. So take a look through our courses, and if you struggle to pick, ask our learning advisers for their input.

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Why study Childcare courses online?

You’re never too old to discover your passion and change your life. The beauty of opting for an online childcare course is that you don’t have to turn your entire world upside down.

Online courses offer flexibility that traditional establishments just can’t. You don’t need to quit your job or sacrifice your other commitments and responsibilities. We will work with you to make sure you succeed.

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Courses Taught by Experts

Faye

Early Years

Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

faye-h_compressed

Laura

Health care

For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

Laura, tutor

Penny

STEM and History of Art

Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

penny-tc_compressed

Kelly

Counselling and Psychology

I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

Kelly, tutor

Sarah

Education and Childcare

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Sarah
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