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Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

Work towards a career in health & social care, with an average salary of £23,000+ per annum

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Level 3
Qualification
100%
Online Learning
10
Course Units
12-18 mo
Avg. Completion

About This Course

The full Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) qualification. Learn to work with children from birth to five, with knowledge of children up to seven, and be included in staff-to-child ratios.

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (610/4164/6) prepares you to work in an early years setting and be included in staff-to-child ratios. It meets the Department for Education (DfE) Early Years Educator (EYE) criteria in full and maps to the Early Years Educator occupational standard (ST0135). You learn to work with children from birth to five years, with knowledge of children up to seven. Across 10 mandatory units you cover the role of the early years educator, holistic child development, SEND, communication, safeguarding and welfare, health, wellbeing and safety, the early years curriculum, assessing children's learning, play, and working in partnership with families and other professionals. You build your evidence in a real early years setting, with at least 300 hours of work placement.

This Course at a Glance

  • Meets the DfE Early Years Educator criteria in full
  • Be included in staff-to-child ratios at Level 3
  • 10 mandatory units, 95 credits
  • Birth to five years, with knowledge up to seven
  • At least 300 hours of work placement
  • Portfolio-based assessment, no exams
  • 0% interest payment plans available

Your course includes:

  • Online learning platform with 24/7 access
  • Dedicated 1-to-1 tutor support via email and phone
  • Study materials and assignment guidance for all 10 units
  • Assessor support to build your portfolio of evidence
  • NCFE CACHE certificate when you complete

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take?
Most learners take 12-18 months. It depends on how much time you can put in and how quickly you complete your placement hours.
Do I need a placement?
Yes. You need at least 300 hours of work placement in an early years setting before you can be certificated. NCFE recommends 350 hours where possible. If you already work in a nursery, your job can count.
Who can study it?
You must be 16 or over. There are no other entry requirements, but a Level 2 early years qualification or some experience with young children will help.
Will it count in staff-to-child ratios?
Yes. It meets the DfE Early Years Educator criteria in full, so it prepares you to be included in staff-to-child ratios in early years settings.
How is it assessed?
There are no exams. You build a portfolio of evidence that your assessor marks. This includes observation of your practice, professional discussions, reflective accounts and work products. Grading is Achieved or Not yet achieved.
What can I do next?
Work as an early years educator, nursery practitioner or room leader, or progress to the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner or to higher education.
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Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)
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“I am studying the NCFE Level 5 Adult Care Diploma in Leadership and Management. The course is well structured, practical, and relevant to real workplace leadership.”

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“Flexible learning and 1-1 sessions with the tutors to get a clear understanding of the subject. There is so much support from the staff as well.”

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“The team is highly reliable and consistently follows up with learners to ensure they feel supported and on track. The online platform is user-friendly and well organised.”

Sipyinyu A.

Google review

“The trainer explained things in a simple, down-to-earth way and was happy to slow down and answer questions. We covered the basics plus lots of real examples.”

Abhishek S.

Google review

“Whenever I was unsure about my work, things were explained clearly. The feedback helped me improve my portfolio step by step. I felt supported throughout.”

Kavya D.

Google review

“My sessions so far have been nothing less than amazing. My tutor provides the necessary and relevant support to help navigate the programme.”

Cosmos A.

Google review

“From the date I joined, the support I am receiving is excellent. My tutor is always there whenever I need help, with constant and clear communication.”

Hanna F.

Google review

“I am studying the NCFE Level 5 Adult Care Diploma in Leadership and Management. The course is well structured, practical, and relevant to real workplace leadership.”

Joseph R.

Google review

“I am completing my Level 5 Management and Leadership course and I highly recommend them. Professional, with a great learning environment — my tutor is incredibly supportive.”

Ajith S.

Google review

“Flexible learning and 1-1 sessions with the tutors to get a clear understanding of the subject. There is so much support from the staff as well.”

Shylet R.

Google review

“The team is highly reliable and consistently follows up with learners to ensure they feel supported and on track. The online platform is user-friendly and well organised.”

Sipyinyu A.

Google review

“The trainer explained things in a simple, down-to-earth way and was happy to slow down and answer questions. We covered the basics plus lots of real examples.”

Abhishek S.

Google review

“Whenever I was unsure about my work, things were explained clearly. The feedback helped me improve my portfolio step by step. I felt supported throughout.”

Kavya D.

Google review

“My sessions so far have been nothing less than amazing. My tutor provides the necessary and relevant support to help navigate the programme.”

Cosmos A.

Google review

“From the date I joined, the support I am receiving is excellent. My tutor is always there whenever I need help, with constant and clear communication.”

Hanna F.

Google review

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