Level 3 Diploma in Childcare (Early Years Educator) (Technical OccupationalEntry for the Early Years Workforce) · 15/01/2026

Course name: Level 3 Diploma in Childcare (Early Years Educator) (Technical Occupational
Entry for the Early Years Workforce)
Course code: VOC-CHL3-FA-F/25-2AA
Introduction to the course: The aim of this qualification is to prepare you to become early years educators, enabling you to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. Upon achievement of this qualification, it is intended that you will be able to enter the workforce as early years educators. This qualification will aim to focus you on the study of early years education, deepen your skills, knowledge and behaviour and will provide you with opportunities to acquire a number of practical and technical skills.
What will I learn?: You will explore the role and responsibilities of the reflective early years educator whilst gaining the knowledge of skills and behaviours required for effective engagement within your own role. You will be able to describe the role of the early years educator in the following aspects: • reporting and types of records expected • whistleblowing procedures • protecting and promoting the welfare of children in line with statutory requirements • safeguarding in line with statutory requirements • confidentiality • information-sharing • use of technology • referring development concerns • protecting self (for example, media and online presence) • staff health and safety, including mental health and wellbeing support and supervision
You will be able to explain how your own and others’ behaviour can impact on babies and children and the importance of role-modelling positive behaviours. You will become confident in supporting or challenging the practice of colleagues, including difficult conversations. You will be able understand the expected patterns of babies’ and children’s development from conception to 7 years old whilst gaining knowledge of the significance of physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing for babies’ and children’s development
You will receive practical support to prepare and support babies and children through transitions and significant events in their lives whilst promoting health and wellbeing in settings working with babies and children from birth to 5 years. You will be able to understand the role of policy and procedure in maintaining the health, wellbeing and safety of babies and children linking in with supporting children to develop a positive sense of self and to recognise, understand and manage their emotions, legislation and guidance and strategies for babies, children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) working in partnership effectively.
You will be able to understand the importance of professional relationships with colleagues, other organisations, and agencies.
You will gain knowledge on how to use specialist aids, resources and equipment available to support babies and children with SEND (simulation and reflection as appropriate) and be able to develop, support and promote babies’ and children’s speech, language, and communication through effective planned adult interactions.
Understand an early years educator’s role and responsibilities in relation to keeping children and colleagues safe whilst being able to identify signs, symptoms and treatment of common childhood illnesses and allergies in babies and children.
You will be able to identify serious injuries which require urgent medical attention in babies and children.
You will gain knowledge as to the importance for babies and children to have a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet.
You will be able outline the key stages in assessment for children to include:
the progress check at age 2 • the reception baseline assessment • the early years foundation stage profile and to confidently carry out assessments effectively, plan and record the outcomes, and share results accurately and confidentially in line with the early years foundation stage statutory framework and setting’s requirements
You will gain knowledge and understanding of play at different stages of babies’ and children’s development whilst exploring different types of play for all children
What are the entry requirements?: You must be aged 19 or over (as at 31st August 2025) and be a UK resident.
You will need a good level of English to be able to follow the curriculum and complete any course work.
You must have a qualification in Maths and English at Level 2 such as Functional Skills or a GCSE Maths and English (C/4 or above). If you do not hold these qualifications, please contact us as we provide these courses.
You will need to be working, volunteering, or on practical placement at a childcare setting alongside studying on this course.
Please also be sure you have enough time each week to attend all classes and to complete any homework assignments outside of class.
If you live within Greater London, you will need to have the right to live in the UK for at least 12 months from the start date of the course.
If you live outside of the Greater London area, you will need to have lived in the UK for the past three years and also have the right to live in the UK for the duration of your course.
What do I need to bring with me to class?: Please bring a pen, note paper or note book, and a folder to store any handouts.
This course has some elements delivered online, so you will need access to a computer or laptop and an internet connection. (Please note that a smartphone or tablet will not be suitable)
If you do not have the necessary IT equipment, you can still apply for the course as there may be opportunity for equipment loan depending on your personal circumstances.
What can I do after my course has finished?: Once you have achieved this qualification you could progress to the following:
• employment:
o educator in day nurseries
o educator in nursery schools
o educator in reception classes in primary schools
o pre-school worker
• further education:
o NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner
• higher education – personal statements may be accepted by universities
What types of job can I go into after my course?: Once you have achieved this qualification you could progress to the following employment:
* Educator in day nurseries
* Educator in nursery schools
* Educator in reception classes in primary schools
* Pre-school worker
Price: £2030.40
Available concessions: This course may be free depending on your annual earnings or your prior level of attainment - please see our fee policy for further information
Qualification Title: Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce
Qualification Level: 3
Awarding Body: NCFE/CACHE
End of course assessment method/s: Portfolio
Course start and end dates: 15-Jan-2026 to 10-Dec-2026
Time and day: 09:30 am to 02:30 pm (Thu)
Course duration: 37 weeks / 166.5 hours total
Site: Hook Learning Centre
Site Address: The Hook Centre
9 Green End
Hook
Chessington
KT9 1AE
Map
How do I apply?: Please complete the enrolment form using the link below.
A member of Kingston Adult Education staff will then contact you to confirm your eligibility, send you the initial assessment, and take payment if necessary.
Please note that your place on the course cannot be confirmed until this has taken place.
What should I do if I have any questions?: For help or more information, please email:
skillsforworkandlife@kingston.gov.uk
Or call one of the numbers below:

07511045147 (if your enquiry is about a vocational course; line is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursday mornings)

or
07523931498 (if your enquiry is about a digital skills course; line is open Monday afternoons, and Thursdays and Fridays)

or
07511045124 (if your enquiry is about an English or maths course; line is open Monday to Thursday)
Enrolment link: https://bit.ly/KAE-L3eye2526