The Early Years Educator CACHE Level 3 Diploma

You must be at least 16 years old. Learners will need to be working, in an Early Years setting to show competence in both knowledge and skills. You will need to work in a real work environment for a minimum of 350 recommended placement hours and be able to demonstrate competency in both knowledge and skills in the areas of 0-11months, 11months to three years and three to five years. This may mean three different working environments.

Essential: Those wishing to take out the Advanced Learner Loan must have their English and Maths GCSE Grade A-C certificates prior to application.

In order to achieve the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) learners must gain a total of 61 credits. To do this, they must achieve all 23 mandatory units.

The course is based around three themes:

• Theme 1 – Health and Well-being
• Theme 2 – Legislation, frameworks and professional practice
• Theme 3 – Play, development and learning for school readiness

You will also be required to complete a longitudinal study.

You will gain:

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

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. You will have to access an e-portfolio, complete written assignments, activities, and undertake online learning. An assessor will also visit you in the placement to carry out observations.

Course progression: Learners can progress to the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner or other higher-level early years qualifications. This qualification has the following UCAS Points – Pass – 32.

Career progression: Job roles include practitioner in day nurseries, practitioner in Nursery schools, practitioner in reception classes in primary schools and pre-school worker.

It is highly recommended that you purchase the qualification course book. As part of this qualification, CACHE recommends completing a Paediatric First Aid qualification.