NCFE Level 3
Diploma in Childcare Course

Course Overview – great courses, fully recognised

RQF REGULATED QUALIFICATION No. 601/4000/8 – CLICK HERE TO VERIFY THIS COURSE

What does the qualification cover?

The Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them 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 learners will be able to access higher education or enter the workforce as Early Years Educators. This qualification confers the licence to practise as an Early Years Educator and meets the DfE’s criteria for counting in the early years foundation stage framework staff: child ratios.

UCAS points

This qualification has the following UCAS Points – D – 48, C – 64, B – 80, A – 96, A* – 112.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for a range of learners, either working or wishing to work in early years education and care. It is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education.

What are the entry requirements?

You should be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

Early Years Educator: GCSE English and Maths requirements

All learners who achieve an Early Years Educator qualification will need GCSE English and maths at grade A*-C to count in the ratios at level 3 in childcare settings.

For accepted equivalencies for GCSE English and maths, please refer to the Early Years Qualifications List Department of Education website.

How is this qualification structured?

We have structured the units around four themes:
• Theme 1: Health and well-being
• Theme 2: Legislation, frameworks and professional practice
• Theme 3: Play, development and learning for school readiness
• Theme 4: Professional development

How is it assessed?

To gain this qualification the learner will need to:
• pass 27 Mandatory units
• pass longitudinal study
• pass 3 externally set and marked assessments

Please note: the assessment opportunities for all externally set and marked assessments for this qualification are limited to one attempt and one further reattempt opportunity (undertaking an alternative assessment).

Do you need to have access to practical placement?

Yes, you will need to have access to a real work environment, as you need to show competence in both knowledge and skills.

How long does it take to complete?

This qualification will take 2 years to complete.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Learners can progress to the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner or a Foundation Degree.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

Upon achievement of this qualification, learners will gain their licence to practise, and it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators or progress to higher education.

Learners can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:
• practitioner in day nurseries
• practitioner in nursery schools
• practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
• pre-school worker

A fully recognised qualification

To gain this qualification, you will need to:

• pass 27 Mandatory units
• pass longitudinal study
• pass 3 externally set and marked assessments

You can view the full course syllabus here:- NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education Syllabus

RQF REGULATED QUALIFICATION No. 601/4000/8

The latest 2023 RQF syllabus

This course follows the latest Early Years guidelines, with up-to-date information. You need to be working in a nursery for this course. This is a knowledge and work experience qualification. Experience in a real work environment is required for this course.

All learners who achieve an Early Years Educator qualification will need GCSE English and maths at grade A*-C to count in the ratios at level 3 in childcare settings.

For accepted equivalencies for GCSE English and maths, please refer to the Early Years Qualifications List Department of Education website.

Course entry requirements

You will be taught the full level 3 Diploma syllabus once enrolled. To be eligible for this course, you must meet the following criteria:-

• GCSE English and maths at grade A*-C.
• Work placement is required.
• You must be over 16 years of age.
• NCFE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education recommended.

Home study course – enrol at anytime

This is a home study course meaning there’s no need to come to the college. There’s no mention of home study on your certificate, and as it’s a government-regulated qualification, you’re guaranteed your certificate is fully accepted and recognised by all.

Your Course Materials – paper study

Your course will be delivered as paper handbooks.

The enrolment fee includes your NCFE CACHE certificate, course materials and full tutor support.

A genuine government certificate from OFQUAL

Study with us, and you will gain exactly the same government-accredited qualification and certificates as a local college.

Upon course completion, you will receive a government-regulated NCFE CACHE Level 3 RQF certificate that’s fully recognised & accepted by all Early Years settings. There’s no mention of distance learning or home study anywhere on the certificate, and we guarantee it’s the same qualification as all attendance-based colleges provide.

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)

( RQF’s have now replaced the old NVQ & QCF qualifications )

Request an invoice enrolment

To enrol your staff by invoice, please complete the form below.

Alternatively, call our education team on 0345 652 0098; they’ll gladly help you.

Enrol your staff here:

Your candidate will be enrolled the same day your order is received.