Level 3 NCFE Diploma for the Early Years Workforce

Course Content

The CACHE 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.

The course is aimed at childcare practitioners who are working or volunteering and have key children. You should be carrying out observations, assessments and planning for those children.

We have structured the units around four themes:

• Theme 1: Health and well-being
• Theme 2: Legislation, frameworks and professional practice
• Theme 3: Play, development and learning for school readiness
• Theme 4: Professional development

Learners must achieve: 23 mandatory units

Course Outcomes

To gain an understanding and knowledge of how children develop and learn To plan a variety of activities for the age and needs of children To promote communication with children, staff, parents and professionals Employment progression Further Education Higher Education Paediatric Nursing

Progression

Recommended follow-up courses:

• Foundation Degree
• NCFE Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner Level 4

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:

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

Entry Requirements

Employed/volunteering in an early years setting for at least 2 days a week with prior experience of working with young children (12 hours).

Ideally you will already have completed a level 2 qualification in a relevant subject Level 2 literacy,Interview,Clear DBS (CRB) check.

Learners are not required to have GCSE English and maths grade C (4) or above at the commencement of the course but to be counted in the ratio under the EYFS will need to achieve GCSE English and maths grade C (4) or Level 2 Functional Skills English and Maths.

Letter from employer stating that you are working/volunteering in an early years setting for a minimum of 12 hours a week and working as a key person undertaking planning and observations. Complete an initial assessment in English and a short piece of writing to assess suitability for the course

(Exceptions to entry requirements onto our level 3 qualifications may be considered)

Assessment

To gain this qualification the learner will need to:

• pass all units
• complete longitudinal study
• show competence in a real work environment

Placements are required for achievement of this qualification. A minimum of 350 placement hours is required. Placements will need to cover all age ranges from 0-5 years. During placement learners will need support from a professional within the real work environment who will be required to complete professional development records.

The course will be taught over 45 weeks and will be assessed using assignments and work-based practice including observations.

Please note the course is taught over 4 terms.

Equipment

Portfolio