About this qualification:

The Level 3 Applied General Certificate for Early Years, Childcare and Education enables learners to develop knowledge and understanding of child development, education and care, which will allow them to progress to study in further education, higher education or join the workplace as an apprentice. This qualification is the equivalent, in size and rigour, to that of an A Level.

In this qualification learners will develop an understanding of:

• diverse childcare settings and the role of the childcare professional
• roles, responsibilities, skills and attributes for working in childcare settings
• types and functions of childcare services
• significant milestones and relevant theories related to human development
• educational frameworks and how they are applied to optimise positive outcomes for children and young people
• relevant legislation and statutory guidance
• approaches to play and the impact of play on learning, well-being and development.

In this qualification learners will develop practical skills and techniques in:

• teamwork and partnership building
• professional and personal development
• communication
• evaluation
• research
• analysis
• reflection.

These underpinning, transferrable skills will benefit learners if they choose to progress to higher education.

Bundles for CACHE Applied Generals

It is possible to register on both the award and the certificate in this suite at the same time and pay one fee. To do this you should use bundle code NDF0758 'Applied General Award and Certificate in Early Years, Childcare and Education Bundle'.
Please note you will not be able to use the top up function on our system for this suite.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is for learners aged 16 or over with an interest in childcare and early years who wish to progress to higher education.

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

Qualification structure:

Learners will need to complete 5 mandatory units and 2 external assessments; a scenario based short answer examination and an extended written assignment, taken under controlled supervision.

Assessment:

All units for this qualification will be internally assessed using a variety of methods. In addition, learners will be required to achieve a minimum of a pass grade for a synoptic short answer examination and a synoptic extended written assignment, both of which will be externally set and externally assessed.

Progression:

This qualification will prepare learners and assist them to progress to higher education and apprenticeship courses such as an Advanced Apprenticeship for the Children and Young People’s Workforce or Early Years Educator, which leads to vocationally related employment in early years and childcare with a licence to practice.

Career opportunities:

The Level 3 Applied General Certificate for Early Years, Childcare and Education enables learners to prepare for employment in job roles such as:

• Assistant in children's centres
• Practitioner in day nurseries
• Practitioner in nursery schools
• Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
• Pre-school worker.

External assessment timetable

Please see the external assessment timetable for a breakdown of the assessment dates for this qualification.

Useful links

Regulations for the conduct of external assessment

Qualification specific instructions for delivery (QSID)