About this qualification
This qualification is designed to prepare learners with the knowledge, skills and understanding to enter work in an early years setting and be included in staff-to-child ratios. It will also allow learners the opportunity to progress to higher education.
This qualification includes both knowledge and skills that meet the Department for Education Early Years Educator (DfE EYE) criteria in full and map to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) within the Early Years Educator occupational standard ST0135 in England.
Nested qualification
This qualification is part of a nested suite including the following qualification:
- NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (610/4164/6)
Who is it suitable for?
This qualification is designed for learners preparing to become early years educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to five years and gain knowledge of children aged five to seven years.
It may also be useful to learners studying qualifications in the following sectors:
- early years and childcare
What are the entry requirements?
Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements, but centres may have their own guidelines.
How is this qualification structured?
To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve all 16 mandatory units/128 credits from units EYE L3 WF 1 to 16.
How is it assessed?
The assessment for the qualification is an internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence.
How many credits are required to complete it?
Learners must achieve 128 credits from the 16 mandatory units.
How long will it take to complete this qualification?
Learners can usually complete this qualification in 1 to 2 years.
Do you need to be working to take this qualification?
This qualification requires learners to complete a minimum of 365 hours of mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of the qualification, before certification. However, it is recommended that learners undertake 415 hours where possible.
What related qualifications can you progress to?
- further education:
- level 4 or level 5 early years and childcare qualifications
- higher education:
- personal statements may be accepted by universities
Career opportunities
- educator in day nurseries
- educator in nursery schools
- educator in reception classes in primary schools
- pre-school worker
Funding for our qualifications
Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.
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