What does the qualification cover?

The Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education prepares learners to progress on to the Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator). The Diploma enables learners to gain the knowledge and experience which will allow them to work with children from birth to 5 years.

What is a nested qualification?

This qualification is nested. Qualifications within a nested suite allow learners to be topped up to a qualification that is the same level and subject within the Award, Certificate, Diploma structure. This can be done by self-service through the Portal. Qualification nests and top-up pricing can be found in our fees list.

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 for commencing the qualification?

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: Changes to GCSE Requirements

From 3 April 2017, the requirement for Level 3 Early Years Educators (EYE) to hold GCSE English and maths A*-C, will be broadened to Level 2 qualifications, including Functional Skills. This will also apply to an apprenticeship route.

This will enable staff with an EYE qualification and Level 2 English and mathematics qualifications to count in the Level 3 staff:child ratios in childcare settings. This includes those who already hold an EYE qualification, began studying an EYE from September 2014 or will achieve an EYE in the future. ?

Please refer to the Early Years Workforce Strategy (March 2017) for further details.

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.

Rule of combination

In order to achieve the Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education learners must complete 8 mandatory units, including all the criteria learners must know about, which is contained within the delivery guidance, as well as an Effective Practice Study Task (externally set and externally marked).

Dependant on learner ability and Centre delivery the Certificate can be achieved in approximately 1 year. It enables learners to progress on to the Diploma.

Each unit throughout the qualification will be graded A*-D with the qualification overall grading being A* - D.

Assessment opportunities

Assessment opportunities for all the externally set and marked assessments for the Certificate will be limited to one attempt and one further reattempt opportunity to undertake an alternative assessment.

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)