Early Years & Childcare Qualifications (Levels 3 to 5)
Develop qualified, confident childcare teams with NCFE CACHE qualifications in early years practice, playwork and mental health. Staff study online with live tutor support and apply learning directly in your setting, with loan, instalment and apprenticeship routes available.
Early years and childcare training at High Ridge Training, in short
- What it is: professional qualifications for people already working in nurseries, pre-schools, after-school clubs and play settings, from the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma and Level 3 Playwork through to the Level 5 Senior Practitioner diploma.
- For employers: upskill room leaders, deputies and managers without taking them off the floor. Staff learn online and evidence their skills in your setting.
- Funding: eligible learners aged 19+ can use an Advanced Learner Loan, and every course can be paid in monthly instalments. For funded on-the-job training, see our early years apprenticeships.
- Assessment: no exams. Learners are assessed through assignments, workplace observation, reflective accounts and portfolio evidence.
Two ways to develop your childcare team
Upskill the staff you already have
- Grow Level 3 practitioners into advanced and senior practitioners
- Build SEND, wellbeing and leadership skills inside your team
- Learning is work-based, so new practice goes straight into your rooms
- A dedicated adviser handles enrolment, funding and progress updates
Take the next step in your childcare career
- Study online around your shifts and family
- No upfront cost with an Advanced Learner Loan if eligible
- Spread the fee with monthly instalments
- Progress towards senior, SENCO and leadership roles
Early years and childcare qualifications
Five qualifications from Level 3 to Level 5. Each card gives you the essentials. Open the course page for content, entry requirements and enrolment.
Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma
Qualify as a Level 3 Early Years Educator without an apprenticeship. Meets the Department for Education's Early Years Educator criteria, so staff can count in Level 3 ratios once they also hold suitable Level 2 English.
- Entry requirementsAged 19+ with access to an early years setting for 300 hours' placement
- Typical duration16 months
- Course fee£4,670
Level 3 Diploma in Playwork
For staff in after-school clubs, holiday play schemes and community play settings. Covers playwork principles, inclusive play environments, safeguarding and working with families.
- Entry requirementsAged 18+ and working or volunteering in a playwork or early years setting
- Typical duration15 months
- Course fee£2,882
Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health
Builds understanding of mental health, wellbeing across life stages, mental ill health and support services. Useful for staff supporting children, families and colleagues.
- Entry requirementsNone. Aged 16+
- Typical duration6 months, flexible online study
- Course fee£811 or £135.17 a month for 6 months
Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner
For qualified Level 3 practitioners ready to lead practice for children aged 0 to 5, including SEND support, health and wellbeing, and working with families. Supports roles such as SENCO.
- Entry requirementsAged 18+, full Level 3 early years qualification, employed in a setting
- Typical duration6 months
- Course fee£811 or £135.17 a month for 6 months
Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
A Higher Technical Qualification for room leaders, deputies and managers leading teams, safeguarding and quality of practice across an early years setting.
- Entry requirementsAged 19+, in or moving into a leadership role, 300 hours' work placement
- Typical duration18 months
- Course fee£4,670
Career progression in early years
Most practitioners build their qualifications alongside their role. This is a typical route through a setting.
Early Years Practitioner
Working under supervision in the room.
Early Years Educator
Fully qualified, counted in Level 3 ratios. EYE Diploma
Advanced Practitioner
Leading practice, SEND support and families. Level 4
Senior Practitioner
Leading teams, quality and safeguarding. Level 5
Deputy and Manager
Running a room, a setting or a group of settings.
Why settings invest in staff qualifications
Grow your own leaders
Develop room leaders and deputies from within, rather than recruiting in a tight market.
Stronger safeguarding
Safeguarding, health and safety and wellbeing run through every qualification.
Better SEND and wellbeing support
Staff gain the knowledge to support children with additional needs and their families.
One adviser, start to finish
Your dedicated High Ridge adviser handles enrolment, funding and progress updates.
How early years training can be funded
| Route | Applies to | Who pays | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Learner Loan | All courses on this page, subject to eligibility | Government-backed loan for eligible learners aged 19+. Nothing upfront, repaid only once income is above the threshold. | Staff funding their own progression |
| Monthly instalments | All courses on this page | The learner or the setting, spread across monthly payments. | Anyone not eligible for a loan |
| Employer funded | All courses on this page | The setting pays the course fee directly. | Developing named staff into senior roles |
| Apprenticeship | Early years and education apprenticeships | Non-levy employers: fully funded for apprentices under 25, 5% for 25 and over. Levy payers use their account. | New recruits and staff starting a new role |
Apprenticeship rates reflect the 2026 to 2027 funding rules for starts from 1 August 2026. Government funding for Level 4 and 5 courses starting from January 2027 is moving to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Speak to us to confirm what applies to you.
How it works for settings
Free consultation
Tell us about your team. We match each person to the right qualification or apprenticeship.
Funding check
We confirm loan eligibility or apprenticeship funding before anyone enrols.
Enrol and start
Learners join online with live tutor support and begin applying learning in your setting.
Track progress
Regular reviews through assignments, observations and portfolio sign-off.
Early years and childcare qualifications: frequently asked questions
What early years and childcare qualifications do you offer?
We offer the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, the Level 3 Diploma in Playwork, the Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health, the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner and the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner. We also deliver early years and education apprenticeships from Level 2 to Level 5.
Should my setting use these qualifications or an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships suit new recruits or staff starting a new role and can be funded through the levy or government co-investment. The qualifications on this page suit experienced staff who need a specific higher-level qualification, such as the Level 4 Advanced Practitioner or Level 5 Senior Practitioner, and can be loan-funded or paid in instalments. Your adviser will recommend the right route for each person.
Can staff complete these qualifications while working full time?
Yes. Learning is online with live tutor support and is designed around shifts. The Level 4 and Level 5 qualifications are work-based, so learners must be employed in an early years setting and evidence their practice there.
Can staff qualify as a Level 3 Early Years Educator without an apprenticeship?
Yes. The Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma is a standalone NCFE CACHE qualification for learners aged 19 and over. It meets the Department for Education's Early Years Educator criteria, takes 16 months and includes at least 300 hours of workplace or placement experience. To count in Level 3 ratios, staff must also hold a suitable Level 2 English qualification.
What are the entry requirements for the Level 4 Early Years Advanced Practitioner?
Learners must be aged 18 or over, hold a full Level 3 early years or childcare qualification and be employed in an early years setting at Level 3.
Who is the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner for?
It is for practitioners aged 19+ who are in a leadership or management role, or who will take on leadership responsibilities during the course. It includes 300 hours of mandatory work placement and is delivered over 18 months.
How are the courses assessed? Are there exams?
There are no exams. Learners are assessed through written assignments, workplace observations, reflective accounts, case studies and portfolio evidence, depending on the qualification.
How much do the courses cost?
Course fees are £4,670 for the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, £2,882 for Level 3 Playwork, £811 for Level 3 Understanding Mental Health, £811 for the Level 4 Advanced Practitioner and £4,670 for the Level 5 Senior Practitioner. Monthly instalments are available on all courses. Contact us for a full breakdown.
Can staff use an Advanced Learner Loan?
Eligible learners aged 19 and over can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fee, with nothing to pay upfront. For Level 4 and 5 courses starting from January 2027, government funding moves to the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, so please check with us before enrolling. See information for students.
How much does an early years apprenticeship cost a small nursery?
Under the 2026 to 2027 funding rules, non-levy employers pay nothing towards training for apprentices aged under 25 and contribute 5% for apprentices aged 25 and over. See information for employers.
Who awards the qualifications?
The qualifications are awarded by NCFE, including the CACHE-branded early years qualifications widely recognised by childcare employers across England.
Ready to develop your childcare team?
Speak to a High Ridge Training adviser. We will match each member of staff to the right qualification or apprenticeship and confirm funding before anyone enrols.
Or call 0330 236 9118