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

Ref:

601/2629/2

Sector:

Health, Public Services and Care, Early Years Educator

Features:

Licence to Practice, Learning Resources Available, UCAS

Registration & certification fee:

£144.50

Level:

Level 3

Minimum entry age:

GLH:

486

TQT:

610

Credit value:

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Unit breakdown

Important: This qualification will withdraw on 31 August 2024 and this is the last date we can accept learner registrations. The last date for certificate claims is 31 August 2027.

A new updated qualification that meets the new Department for Education (DfE) early years educator (EYE) criteria will be available from 1 September 2024, draft specifications will be shared in due course.

This qualification has been allocated UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for further details of the points allocation and the most up-to-date information.

What does the qualification cover?

The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (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 enter the workforce as Early Years Educators.

As the leading Awarding Organisation in the care sector we have surpassed the minimum requirements set out in the Full and Relevant Criteria to develop a qualification which reflects the priorities of practitioners and employers to meet the needs of young children.

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.

What are our 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.

English and maths requirements

Learners who achieved a full and relevant level 3 or above qualification after 1 September 2014 will need to hold a suitable level 2 English qualification in order to count within the staff:child ratios at level 3. In addition, from January 2024, a manager or a learner that starts in a manager role will also need to hold a suitable level 2 maths qualification.

Education Funding Agency-funded learners

Learners aged 16-19 (and learners aged 19-24 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities) funded by the Education Funding Agency will not require GCSE English and maths grade A* - C prior to commencing their Early Years Educator qualification.

How is this qualification structured? We have structured the units 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

Learners must achieve:

• 23 mandatory units
• Guided Learning 486 (hours)
• Total Qualification Time 610 (hours)

How is this qualification structured?

We have structured the units 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

How is it assessed?

To gain this qualification the learner will need to:

• Pass all units
• Complete longitudinal study
• Show competence in a real work environment

Do you need to have access to practical placement?

Placements are required for achievement of this qualification. A minimum of 350 placement hours is required. During placement, learners will need support from a professional within the real work environment who will be required to complete professional development records.

How long does it take to complete?

This qualification will take 1-2 years to complete depending on experience.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

Learners can progress to the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner or other higher level early years qualifications.

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. Learners can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:

• Assistant in Children's Centres
• Practitioner in nursery schools
• Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
• Pre-school worker