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Courses for Adults

NCFE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)

Subject Area
Early Years & Education
Start Date
January 2025
Study Mode
Evening
Duration
35 Weeks
Level
Level 3
Entry Requirements
You must be aged 18 or over before starting the course and will need to have a minimum of six months working or volunteering experience within a childcare setting. GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above are also required.

This course is developed with students in mind who may already be in paid employment or volunteering within an early years setting, looking to gain an industry recognised Level 3 qualification to solidify their skills and knowledge of the sector.

The aim of this qualification is to prepare students to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to gain employment and a Level 3 qualification with children aged from birth to five years. Students will also gain knowledge and understanding of children aged from five to seven years. Upon achievement of this qualification, it is intended that students will be able to enter the workforce as Level 3 Early Years Educators.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 18 or over before starting the course and will need to have a minimum of six months working or volunteering experience within a childcare setting. GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above are also required.

Course units

The course will cover units such as:

  • Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through the provision of food and nutrition
  • Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through exercise
  • Developing children’s emergent literacy
  • Developing children’s mathematical development
  • Supporting transitions to school
  • Developing cognitive skills
  • Using observation, assessment and planning to promote the development of children

Assessments

Assessment will take place in the form of coursework and an observation of practice within the workplace.

Course fees

£2,882

The fees for this course can be supported by a loan, if you feel you may qualify for an available loan, or wish to discuss financial options, please contact the Funding Team.

Course progression

After successful completion of the course you may be able to progress on to a Foundation degree/BA degree in an Early Years subject including on to the Foundation Degree (FD) Children’s Learning & Development course here at York College University Centre.

Dates & course durations

7th January 2025 - 16th December 2025, Tuesday evenings.
 

Study methods

The course involves building a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates competency within the profession. Knowledge based units will be delivered within a classroom environment. Students have a work-based assessor who will support them with the work-based element of the qualification

Facilities

Students have access to a fantastic range of College-wide facilities such as the Learning & Research Centre, study hubs, computer areas with accompanying multi-function printers and helpdesk advice.

Additional costs

Students will need a DBS check which will incur a fee of £44 if obtaining through College. Some courses may also require additional study from home, you may need access to a PC/laptop and suitable Wi-Fi to access teaching and learning. You will be made aware of any additional study time at the time of enrolment.

Career progression

During your time on the course you will have gained a vast amount of knowledge in relation the care and education of children and from birth to five years. The qualification will support your application in gaining employment within an early year’s setting or progression within the working environment in a variety of roles, including as a Team Leader/Room Leader in a childcare setting.

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