The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator is fully funded for Greater London. It provides the knowledge and understanding to become an Early Years Educator, enabling you to work with children from birth to 5 years. You will also be able to acquire knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. This qualification is suitable for learners either working or wishing to work in early years education and care.
The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator is ideal for learners looking to work with children. Learners must be working, volunteering or on practical placement to show competence in both knowledge and skills. This opportunity must allow learners to apply their knowledge and skills in order meet the assessment criteria for the qualification. Learners who achieve their diploma will be able to enter the workforce as a fully qualified Early Years Educator. Learners can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary, or private sectors such as Children’s Centre Assistants, Practitioners in nursery schools, and Pre-school workers. Funding is available for learners in the Greater London area.
Achieving this qualification is crucial as it signifies an understanding of child development, education, and welfare. It ensures practitioners are well-equipped to create nurturing environments for young children with emphasis on essential skills like effective communication, observation, and planning. This enables educators to tailor their approach to individual needs and meet regulatory standards (enhancing professional credibility and employability). Ultimately, the Level 3 Diploma demonstrates a commitment to providing high-quality early childhood education.
Learners must pass all units, complete longitudinal study, and show competence in a real working environment.
Learners can progress to the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner or other higher level early years qualifications.
This is a guide to the eligibility criteria for our funded courses. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.
If employed, learners must meet the relevant earnings threshold for their area and course level:
Eligibility is subject to individual circumstances and will be confirmed as part of the enrolment process.
This course is fully free for eligible adults aged 19 and over living in London or Buckinghamshire, funded through the Adult Skills Fund. Learners must also be employed in or have access to a suitable Early Years placement so they can complete the practical assessment requirements of the qualification.
Yes, this is a full and relevant Level 3 qualification recognised by the Department for Education for working in Early Years settings. Successful learners are qualified to work with children from birth to five years and can be counted within statutory staff to child ratios in eligible Early Years settings.
The qualification develops the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing from birth to five years while understanding children’s needs up to age seven. It covers child development, safeguarding, health and safety, observation and assessment, inclusion, partnership working and planning activities that support children’s progress.
The qualification can support progression into roles including Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner, Preschool Practitioner, Childcare Practitioner, Room Leader and Childminder. Learners can also progress to higher level training including the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner, Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship and Early Years Teacher Status pathways.
Most learners complete the qualification within 12 to 18 months through flexible blended learning, combining online learning, workplace practice and dedicated tutor or assessor support. Assessment includes a portfolio of evidence, professional discussions, assignments and workplace observations, allowing learners to demonstrate their knowledge and practical competence within an Early Years environment.
