Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma (Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce)
Qualify as a Level 3 Early Years Educator with a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE diploma that meets the Department for Education's Early Years Educator criteria, studied remotely over 16 months alongside practical experience in an early years setting.
Duration16 monthsMonthly sessions
Guided learning864 hoursIncl. 300 placement hours
DeliveryRemote + workplaceObservations in your setting
Course cost£4,670Loan available
What is the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma?
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) (Diploma), 610/3984/6, is a nationally recognised qualification for adults aged 19 or over who want to work as qualified Level 3 Early Years Educators.
You study 10 mandatory units remotely over 16 months and complete at least 300 hours of workplace or placement experience. It is a standalone qualification, not an apprenticeship.
Who is it for?
- Nursery staff
- Pre-school practitioners
- Reception class staff
- Childminders
- Career changers aged 19+
Read the full programme overview
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) (Diploma) is a nationally recognised qualification designed to develop the knowledge, practical skills and professional competence required to provide high-quality early education and care for babies and young children.
Early Years Educators are highly trained professionals who play an important role in supporting children's learning, development, health, wellbeing and readiness for future learning.
Working within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), they plan and deliver purposeful learning experiences, observe and assess children's development, identify appropriate next steps and create safe, stimulating and inclusive environments in which every child can thrive.
Early Years Educators also work closely with parents, carers, colleagues and other professionals and may act as a key person for individual children.
The programme develops a strong understanding of child development, curriculum and pedagogy, safeguarding, assessment, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), inclusive practice, health and wellbeing, partnership working and professional responsibilities.
Learners develop their knowledge through structured remote training while applying and demonstrating their practical competence within an appropriate early years workplace or placement.
The qualification meets the Department for Education's Early Years Educator qualification criteria and is designed to support learners in achieving the occupational competence required to work as qualified Level 3 Early Years Educators.
Unlike an apprenticeship, this is a standalone qualification and does not require learners to complete separate English and maths qualifications or an independent apprenticeship assessment. However, additional English and maths requirements may apply to particular early years roles.
What does an Early Years Educator do?
Early Years Educators may work across a range of settings, including nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes, children's centres, home-based provision and other early years environments.
Their responsibilities may include:
- Providing high-quality early education and care.
- Supporting children's holistic learning and development.
- Planning and delivering purposeful learning experiences.
- Implementing the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.
- Creating stimulating and enabling indoor and outdoor environments.
- Observing and assessing children's learning and development.
- Identifying and planning appropriate next steps.
- Acting as a key person for individual children.
- Supporting children's communication and language development.
- Supporting early literacy and mathematics.
- Promoting children's physical, personal, social and emotional development.
- Supporting healthy lifestyles and children's wellbeing.
- Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Identifying and responding to safeguarding concerns.
- Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Supporting children through transitions and significant events.
- Working in partnership with parents and carers.
- Working alongside colleagues and other professionals.
- Maintaining accurate records and information.
- Reflecting on and improving professional practice.
Early Years Educators must combine strong knowledge of child development with caring, responsive and professional practice to ensure every child receives the support they need to learn, develop and thrive.
- Qualification
- Level 3 Early Years Educator (Diploma)
- Qualification number
- 610/3984/6
- Units
- 10 mandatory
- Awarding body
- NCFE
Speak to our team about this course
Send us your details using the form below and we will call you to talk through the course, funding and start dates. Our advice is impartial and there is no obligation to enrol.
- Complete the enquiry form below.
- We call you to discuss your goals, eligibility and funding.
- We confirm your start date and enrolment.
- Call 0330 236 9118
- Visit our Early Years and Childcare contact page
- Or complete the enquiry form below
What will you learn on the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma?
The qualification consists of 10 mandatory units, designed to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical competence required of a Level 3 Early Years Educator.
1Introduction to the Role of the Early Years Educator
Learners develop an understanding of:
- The roles and responsibilities of an Early Years Educator.
- Professional expectations and responsibilities.
- Relevant legislation, statutory guidance and regulatory frameworks.
- The importance of professional conduct and ethical practice.
- The role of reflection and Continuing Professional Development.
- Working effectively within an early years team.
- Professional relationships and boundaries.
- The importance of placing children at the centre of professional practice.
2Holistic Child Development
Learners develop knowledge of:
- Holistic child development from birth to five years.
- Children's development from five to seven years.
- Cognitive and brain development.
- Speech, language and communication development.
- Physical development.
- Personal, social and emotional development.
- Early literacy and mathematical development.
- Attachment and emotional security.
- The importance of responsive relationships.
- Factors influencing children's development.
- The impact of individual experiences and circumstances.
- Transitions and significant events in children's lives.
- Supporting children's individual developmental needs.
3Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Learners develop the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.
- Apply relevant statutory guidance and the SEND Code of Practice.
- Recognise individual learning and developmental needs.
- Understand the graduated approach to SEND support.
- Recognise the role of the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO).
- Adapt learning experiences and environments.
- Promote inclusive practice and equal opportunities.
- Remove barriers to participation and learning.
- Work collaboratively with parents, carers and professionals.
- Support children to achieve their individual potential.
4Effective Communication in an Early Years Setting
Learners develop an understanding of:
- The importance of effective communication in early years practice.
- Communicating appropriately with babies and young children.
- Supporting children's speech, language and communication development.
- Using verbal and non-verbal communication.
- Adapting communication to individual needs.
- Building positive relationships with children and families.
- Communicating professionally with colleagues and other professionals.
- Maintaining confidentiality and appropriate information sharing.
- Overcoming barriers to effective communication.
- Promoting respectful and inclusive communication.
5Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements
Safeguarding is fundamental to the Early Years Educator role.
Learners develop the knowledge and confidence to:
- Understand statutory safeguarding responsibilities.
- Recognise signs and indicators of abuse, neglect and harm.
- Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and disclosures.
- Follow organisational safeguarding and child-protection procedures.
- Record and report concerns appropriately.
- Understand the importance of confidentiality and information sharing.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
- Understand the Prevent Duty and wider safeguarding responsibilities.
- Support children's online safety.
- Promote children's welfare and personal safety.
- Contribute to a strong safeguarding culture within their setting.
6Health, Wellbeing and Safety
Learners develop the knowledge and practical skills to:
- Promote children's physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Support healthy eating and nutrition.
- Promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
- Support children's personal care and hygiene.
- Apply infection-prevention and control procedures.
- Identify and manage risks within early years environments.
- Maintain safe indoor and outdoor environments.
- Understand procedures for responding to accidents and emergencies.
- Promote children's emotional security and resilience.
- Support safe and healthy choices.
- Follow relevant health and safety legislation and procedures.
7Promoting an Effective Early Years Curriculum
Learners develop the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand and apply the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Support the delivery of an ambitious and inclusive curriculum.
- Understand the principles of effective early years pedagogy.
- Plan purposeful learning experiences.
- Balance child-initiated and adult-led learning.
- Use children's interests and experiences to support learning.
- Create stimulating and enabling environments.
- Support learning indoors and outdoors.
- Adapt curriculum experiences to individual needs.
- Promote children's confidence, curiosity and independence.
- Reflect on the effectiveness of curriculum delivery.
8Assessment of Children's Learning and Development
Learners develop the ability to:
- Understand the purpose of assessment in early years practice.
- Observe children's learning and development.
- Use appropriate observation and assessment approaches.
- Identify children's progress, strengths and individual needs.
- Plan appropriate next steps.
- Use information from parents, carers and colleagues.
- Contribute to children's individual learning and development plans.
- Monitor the impact of planned learning experiences.
- Recognise when additional support may be required.
- Share appropriate information with parents, carers and professionals.
9Understanding Play for Learning and Holistic Development
Learners develop an understanding of:
- The importance of play in children's learning and development.
- Theories and approaches relating to play.
- The relationship between play and holistic development.
- Supporting child-initiated and adult-led play.
- Creating stimulating and enabling play environments.
- Supporting exploration, imagination and creativity.
- Promoting independence and problem-solving.
- Supporting social interaction and emotional development through play.
- Adapting play experiences to individual needs.
- Using play to support communication, language and learning.
10Partnership Working
Learners develop the knowledge and skills to:
- Build effective relationships with parents and carers.
- Recognise parents and carers as partners in children's learning.
- Share information about children's development appropriately.
- Support positive home-learning environments.
- Work effectively as part of an early years team.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of other professionals.
- Work collaboratively with the SENCO and external agencies.
- Contribute to multi-agency working where appropriate.
- Communicate professionally with a range of stakeholders.
- Respect different family, social and cultural contexts.
- Promote positive outcomes for children through effective partnership working.
How the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma is delivered and assessed
How is the course delivered?
The programme is delivered remotely over 16 months, providing flexible access to structured tutor-led learning while learners develop and demonstrate their practical Early Years Educator skills within an appropriate early years workplace or placement.
Delivery includes:
- Live remote tutor-led training.
- Structured learning activities.
- Individual tutor support and guidance.
- Workplace-based practical development.
- Child-development learning.
- EYFS curriculum and pedagogy development.
- Safeguarding training and application.
- Observation, assessment and planning activities.
- SEND and inclusive-practice development.
- Professional discussions.
- Reflective practice.
- Workplace observations and assessment.
- Portfolio development.
- Ongoing assessment feedback and support.
The programme combines structured knowledge development with practical workplace experience, enabling learners to apply their learning directly within an early years environment.
Do you need workplace or placement experience?
As this is an occupationally competent qualification, learners must have access to an appropriate early years setting in which they can develop and demonstrate their practical skills.
The qualification requires a minimum of 300 hours of mandatory workplace or placement experience, with 350 hours recommended where possible.
This experience must be completed before qualification certification and provides essential opportunities for learners to apply their knowledge, develop professional confidence and demonstrate their competence in real working environments.
Read more
Learners who are already employed within a suitable early years setting may be able to complete the required practical experience as part of their existing role, provided the necessary assessment opportunities are available.
Those who are not currently employed within the sector will need to secure a suitable placement that enables them to meet the practical requirements of the qualification.
High Ridge Training will work with learners to establish the suitability of their workplace or placement arrangements before enrolment.
How is the course assessed?
The qualification is assessed through an internally assessed and externally quality-assured portfolio of evidence.
Assessment takes place throughout the programme, allowing learners to progressively demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and practical competence required across all 10 mandatory units.
Assessment methods may include:
- Written assignments and knowledge-based activities.
- Direct observations of practical competence within the workplace or placement.
- Professional discussions.
- Reflective accounts.
- Work products and workplace documentation.
- Expert witness testimonies where appropriate and permitted by the qualification requirements.
Read more
Practical skills must be demonstrated within an appropriate early years environment, with direct observation forming an essential part of the assessment process.
Learners receive ongoing feedback and guidance from their tutor and assessor to support their progress and development.
There is no separate apprenticeship assessment or independent end-point assessment.
To achieve the qualification, learners must:
- Successfully complete all 10 mandatory units.
- Demonstrate the required knowledge, understanding and practical competence.
- Produce a portfolio of evidence meeting the qualification assessment requirements.
- Complete the minimum 300 hours of required workplace or placement experience.
- Satisfy the awarding organisation's assessment and quality assurance requirements.
Successful learners will be awarded the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) (Diploma).
What are the entry requirements?
This qualification is suitable for individuals who are working within, or preparing to enter, the early years and childcare sector.
Applicants must:
- Be aged 19 or over for this programme.
- Have access to a suitable early years workplace or placement.
- Be able to complete the required 300 hours of practical workplace experience.
- Have opportunities to work directly with babies and/or young children.
- Have opportunities to plan, deliver and evaluate learning and development activities.
- Have opportunities to apply the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Be able to demonstrate practical competence through workplace observations.
- Have opportunities to support children with SEND and individual needs.
- Meet the suitability and safeguarding requirements applicable to working with children.
- Be willing to undertake independent study and participate in remote learning.
- Be committed to developing their knowledge, skills and professional practice.
Do you need English and maths qualifications?
There is no mandatory requirement to achieve separate English or maths qualifications to complete this diploma.
However, learners wishing to be counted within the Level 3 staff-to-child ratios in an early years setting must hold a suitable Level 2 English qualification, in accordance with the Department for Education's early years qualification requirements.
Those working in, or progressing into, relevant early years management roles must also meet the applicable Level 2 mathematics requirements.
Read more
Learners should have sufficient English language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills to engage with Level 3 study, complete written assessments and participate effectively in remote learning.
Individual learning needs and any additional occupational requirements will be discussed during the initial assessment and enrolment process.
High Ridge Training will work with learners to ensure their workplace or placement provides sufficient opportunities to develop and demonstrate the occupational competence required by the qualification.
How much does the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma cost?
Funding options explained
This course can be funded in the following ways:
- Privately funded (self-funded): Payment plans may be available. Please enquire for details.
- Advanced Learner Loan: Available to eligible learners aged 19 or over.
An Advanced Learner Loan can help eligible learners cover the cost of their qualification. Repayments are income-contingent and only begin when earnings exceed the applicable government repayment threshold.
Please contact our team for impartial Information, Advice and Guidance to discuss the funding options available to you.
Where can the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma take you?
Successful completion provides a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification and a strong foundation for employment and professional development within the early years and childcare sector.
Career opportunities may include:
- Early Years Educator
- Nursery Practitioner
- Pre-School Practitioner
- Early Years Key Person
- Early Years Practitioner within a nursery school
- Early Years Practitioner within a reception class
- Childminder
With further occupational experience and professional development, progression opportunities may include:
- Senior Nursery Practitioner
- Room Leader
- Senior Early Years Educator
- Early Years SENCO
- Deputy Nursery Manager
- Nursery Manager
- Early Years Lead Practitioner
- Early Years Trainer or Assessor
Further training and education opportunities may include:
- Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship
- Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
- Specialist SEND and inclusive-practice qualifications
- Early years leadership and management programmes
- Higher education, subject to individual entry requirements
The qualification provides a strong foundation for continued professional development and progression into more advanced early years, education, SEND, leadership and management roles.
Why choose the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma with us?
- Achieve a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.
- Develop the knowledge and practical competence required to work as a qualified Early Years Educator.
- Benefit from flexible remote learning alongside practical workplace development.
- Complete the programme over 16 months.
- Access private funding or Advanced Learner Loan funding, subject to eligibility.
- Develop a strong understanding of child development, curriculum and pedagogy.
- Build confidence planning and delivering high-quality early learning experiences.
- Strengthen observation, assessment and planning skills.
- Develop safeguarding and child-protection knowledge.
Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma FAQs
What qualification will I achieve?
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) (Diploma), qualification number 610/3984/6. It meets the Department for Education's Early Years Educator qualification criteria.
How long does the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma take?
The programme is delivered remotely over 16 months, with monthly sessions, and includes 864 guided learning hours, of which 300 are workplace or placement hours.
Do I need to be working in a nursery?
You need access to a suitable early years workplace or placement where you can complete at least 300 hours of practical experience and be observed. If you are not employed in the sector, you will need to secure a suitable placement.
How much does the course cost?
The course cost is £4,670. It can be privately funded, with payment plans available, or funded through an Advanced Learner Loan for eligible learners aged 19 or over.
Do I need GCSE English and maths?
No separate English or maths qualification is needed to complete the diploma. To count in Level 3 staff-to-child ratios you must hold a suitable Level 2 English qualification, and Level 2 maths applies to relevant management roles.
Is this an apprenticeship?
No. It is a standalone qualification with no end-point assessment. Employers looking for the apprenticeship route can explore our Early Years Educator Level 3 apprenticeship.
What can I progress to?
Roles such as Early Years Educator, Nursery Practitioner and Room Leader, and further study such as the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner.
Related professional development courses
Ready to start the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma?
Talk to our team about funding, start dates and how the course fits around your work.