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:
16
GLH:
486
TQT:
610
Credit value:
61
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.
Early Years Educator: 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 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.
• 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
Support materials
Qualification specification (PDF | 929 KB)
Qualification specification (Word) (DOCX | 595 KB)
Qualification factsheet (PDF | 123 KB)
Standard alignment - mapping document (PDF | 125 KB)
Learner handbook (PDF | 1294 KB)
Learner handbook (Word) (DOC | 1440 KB)
Learner induction pack (PDF | 106 KB)
Placement handbook guide for learners and apprentices (PDF | 145 KB)
Placement handbook guide for learners and apprentices (Word) (DOC | 433 KB)
Continuing professional development knowledge workbook (PDF | 151 KB)
Continuing professional development knowledge workbook (Word) (DOC | 394 KB)
Continuing professional development reflective workbook (PDF | 158 KB)
Continuing professional development reflective workbook (Word) (DOC | 400 KB)
Tutor guidance (PDF | 1298 KB)
Tutor guidance (Word) (DOCX | 690 KB)
Summary of 'be able to' assessment criteria (PDF | 376 KB)
Summary of 'be able to' assessment criteria (doc) (DOCX | 393 KB)
Summary of learning outcomes (PDF | 246 KB)
Mentoring programme (Word) (DOCX | 349 KB)
Mentoring programme (PDF | 221 KB)
Placement handbook guide for mentors (PDF | 128 KB)
Placement handbook guide for mentors (Word) (DOC | 421 KB)
Teaching materials
Hodder Education resources
Refer to external link
Laser Learning resources
Refer to external link
Learning Curve Group resources
Refer to external link
Unit breakdown
Support Healthy Lifestyles for Children Through Exercise (A/505/9809)
Understand How to Support Children Who Are Unwell (A/505/9812)
Promoting Children's Physical Development (A/505/9826)
Plan, Lead and Review Play Opportunities Which Support Children's Learning and Development (D/505/9818)
Developing Children's Emergent Mathematical Skills (D/505/9821)
Understand Legislation Relating to the Safeguarding, Protection and Welfare of Children (F/505/9813)
Support Children With Additional Needs (F/505/9827)
Engage in Professional Development (F/505/9830)
Promote Enabling Play Environments (H/505/9819)
Support Children's Transition to School (H/505/9822)
Use Legislation Relating to the Health and Safety of Children (J/505/9814)
Use Observation, Assessment and Planning to Promote the Development of Children (J/505/9828)
Develop Children's Cognitive Skills (K/505/9823)
Support Healthy Lifestyles for Children Through the Provision of Food and Nutrition (L/505/9300)
Follow Legislation Relating to Equality, Diversity and Inclusive Practice (L/505/9815)
Use Longitudinal Studies to Observe, Assess and Plan For Children's Needs (L/505/9829)
Support Physical Care Routines for Children (M/505/9810)
Promote Children's Speech, Language and Communication (M/505/9824)
Working in Partnership (R/505/9816)
Promote Children's Emotional Wellbeing (T/505/9811)
Promoting Children's Personal, Social and Emotional Development (T/505/9825)
Understand the Value of Play in Early Years (Y/505/9817)
Developing Children's Emergent Literacy Skills (Y/505/9820)