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

This course is designed for learners working in an Early Years setting carrying out the relevant job role.

You may be eligible for full funding, meaning the course may be free to you. Apply to find out more information.


This qualification is designed to prepare learners with the knowledge, skills and understanding to work in an early years setting and be included in staff: child ratios.

To gain this qualification the learner will need to complete 10 mandatory units, covering a variety of topics, for example:
Holistic child development
Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
Effective communication in an early years setting
Safeguarding and welfare requirements
Health, wellbeing and safety
Assessment of children’s learning and development

What is TQUK? TQUK (Training Qualifications UK) is one of the UK’s leading Ofqual-regulated awarding organisations, recognised for providing high-quality vocational qualifications across a wide range of industries. Their qualifications are developed in collaboration with employers to ensure they reflect current industry standards and meet real workplace needs. TQUK courses are designed to help learners gain practical skills, knowledge, and confidence, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to progress in their career or enter a new profession.

Learners can progress to the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner, Foundation Degree in Early Years, play work and Education or other higher level early years qualifications.

Upon achievement of this qualification learners will gain their licence to practise and it is intended that learners will be able to work as an Early Years Educator. Learners can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary, or private sectors such as:

Employment:
• educator in day nurseries
• educator in nursery schools o educator in reception classes in primary schools
• pre-school worker

GCSE grade 4 in English or equivalent. You should be working in an early years setting, in the relevant job role to demonstrate competence. On completion of the course, you will  count in the Level 3 staff: child ratios in childcare settings.

For the Apprentice option, please see the Early Years Educator Standard

We want you to achieve to the very best of your ability at Cambridge Regional College. To make this happen we offer both learning and personal support by specialist staff tailored to meet your specific needs. You will be assessed by a vocationally competent assessor who will support and help you gather a portfolio of evidence, using a range of methods.

This programme is delivered in evening sessions on line to support the knowledge of the qualification with practical skills development and observations carried out in the workplace. All resources will be available on our virtual learning environment (VLE) system, and we use an electronic portfolio system called Smart Assessor.

Fully-Funded Level 3 Qualifications

This course is fully funded, free, for learners who are aged 19 and above and earn below £25,000, or below £30,491 and live in the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority area.

Please complete a CRC application form, which can be downloaded from our website www.camre.ac.uk.. Alternatively, please contact our Enquiry Team on tel. 01223 226315 or email .