Advance Your Childcare Career with a Level 3 Early Years Diploma
Are you already working in early years and ready to take your skills to the next level?
The Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Learning and Development (Early Years Educator) is a nationally recognised qualification that helps you build the knowledge and confidence to support children from birth to age 5, with insights into development up to age 7.
Whether you’re aiming to become a nursery nurse, childminder, or Early Years Educator, this work-based qualification is designed to help you thrive in your setting and support children during their most important developmental years.
What You’ll Gain
By completing this qualification, you will:
- Demonstrate competence as an Early Years Educator, Childminder or Nursery Nurse
- Develop your knowledge and skills for key early years job roles
- Have existing experience formally recognised
- Achieve a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
- Grow personally and professionally with expert one-to-one support
This is a roll-on, roll-off programme — so you can start anytime. Training takes place in your work setting and can be delivered online.
✅ Units You’ll Cover
During the course, you’ll explore essential topics such as:
- Child development from conception to 7 years
- Safeguarding, protection and welfare
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in early years settings
- Health and safety for babies and children
- Supporting daily care routines
- Promoting positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Observing and planning for children’s learning
- Promoting communication, language, and literacy
- Developing children’s physical and mathematical skills
- Creative and imaginative play
- Understanding theories that underpin early years practice
- Healthy lifestyles: hydration and nutrition
- Partnership working with parents and professionals
- Engaging in reflective professional development
Course Details
- Duration: 18 months + 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA)
- Delivery: One-to-one in the workplace + optional online sessions
- Start Date: Flexible enrolment – start anytime
Cost & Funding
- Total Cost: £7,000
- Employer Contribution: £350 + VAT
💡 Funding Options:
- Employers with fewer than 50 staff hiring apprentices aged 16–21 receive full government funding
- Employers hiring 16–18-year-olds receive a £1,000 government incentive
👉 View apprenticeship funding guidance
Entry Requirements
To join the programme, you’ll need:
- Experience working with key children, doing observations and activity planning
- A setting that allows a trainer to assess your work
- Commitment to study around 8 hours per week
- Level 2 (or equivalent) literacy and numeracy
- Access to a computer and internet
- A genuine passion for working in early years
On-Programme Support
- Assessor/Trainer: Stacey Matthias
- Group Quality Manager: Michelle Pointer
- Tracking: Via our electronic portfolio system, OneFile
- Quarterly Reviews: To monitor your progress and success
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Your EPA will include:
- Observation of Practice
- Professional Discussion based on your portfolio
Grading:
- Must pass both EPA elements
- Distinction awarded with 21 out of 27 distinction points
✅ Take the Next Step in Early Years
Ready to gain a respected Level 3 qualification and progress your early years career?
📞 Call: 01752 348980
📧 Email: enquiries@thefocustraininggroup.com
💬 WhatsApp: 07516 276671
🌐 www.thefocustraininggroup.com