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Early Years Educator Course – Level 3 Diploma (Advanced)

Gain full Early Years Educator status with ELATT's free Level 3 Diploma in London. Qualify to work with children from birth to five years, with knowledge of children up to seven years, and be counted in staff-to-child ratios in nurseries, preschools and schools.

Overview

Become a Qualified Early Years Educator

If you are ready to qualify as an Early Years Educator and work professionally with young children, ELATT’s Level 3 Diploma gives you everything you need. This qualification provides a full licence to practise, meaning you will be eligible to be counted in staff-to-child ratios in early years settings on completion.

Across 10 mandatory units, you will develop in-depth knowledge of child development from birth to five years, safeguarding and welfare, curriculum planning, play, SEND support, communication, assessment and partnership working. Your learning combines live online study with a minimum of 300 hours of hands-on work placement in an early years setting, where your practice will be directly observed and supported.

This 36-week course is delivered entirely online through live tutor-led sessions, assessed by portfolio only with no formal exams, and is free for eligible adult learners in London.

By the end of your course, you will hold a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE qualification and be ready to step into employment as a qualified Early Years Educator.

If you don’t have prior experience, don’t worry!
We offer preparatory courses and support to help you build the foundational skills needed for Level 3.

Alongside your vocational course, you will also have the opportunity to earn additional free qualifications to strengthen your CV and employability. These are matched to your level and confirmed after a short skills assessment when you join. They may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development and Digital Skills. Not everyone will study all four. Your programme will be tailored to what you need. For more details, visit the Adult Study Programme page.

woman-reading-stories-to-children

Course Details

Levels 1 and 2

Beginner and Intermediate

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Level 3

Advanced

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36 Weeks

Duration

TBD Hours

Hours per week

TBD

Daytime hours

TBD

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

  • You will study 10 mandatory units totalling 95 credits. All units must be completed and all learning outcomes demonstrated.
  • Your role and responsibilities as an Early Years Educator.
  • How children develop holistically from birth to five years, with knowledge up to seven years.
  • Supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
  • Communication strategies in early years settings.
  • Safeguarding, welfare requirements and child protection.
  • Children's health, wellbeing and safety.
  • Planning and delivering an effective early years curriculum.
  • Observing and assessing children's learning and development.
  • The role of play in children's learning and holistic development.
  • Working in partnership with parents, carers and other professionals.
  • Work/Industry Placement Experience

You will also complete a minimum of 300 hours of work placement in an early years setting (350 hours recommended), where an ELATT tutor will directly observe and assess your practice. Placements must be in early years settings, and wherever possible in settings with a good or outstanding Ofsted rating.

Entry Requirements

  • This course is designed to be accessible. You will need:
  • To be aged 16 or over.
  • A sufficient level of English to complete written assignments at Level 3.
  • An interview before enrolment.
  • Access to a device and internet for online learning.
  • Availability to complete a minimum of 300 hours of work placement in an early years setting.
  • No specific prior qualifications are required, although a Level 2 qualification in early years, childcare or a related area is helpful preparation for study at Level 3.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • NCFE CACHE
  • Qualifications
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

Not sure which level is right for you?

Speak to an advisor to find your best starting point.

How You Will Learn

Our Level 3 Diploma is delivered entirely online through live tutor-led sessions.
Assessment is portfolio-based with no formal exams:

Live online sessions:

Interactive classes delivered by an experienced early years tutor, accessible from anywhere in London.

Small, supportive classes:

A close-knit group with personalised feedback and peer discussion throughout.

Group discussions and case scenarios:

Apply your learning to real early years situations across all 10 units.

Portfolio of evidence:

Build your written evidence across the full course. All units are assessed internally and quality-assured externally by NCFE. No exams required.

Mandatory work placement:

Complete a minimum of 300 hours (350 recommended) in an early years setting, developing practical skills working with children from birth to five years.

Direct observation by an ELATT tutor:

Your practice will be observed in your placement setting to assess occupational competence.

Ongoing tutor feedback:

Regular guidance to help you link theory to practice throughout the course.

Careers and Employability support:

CV support, interview preparation and employment guidance throughout your course.

This course is for adult learners who are ready to qualify as Early Years Educators and work professionally with young children. You may be a good fit if you are:

Learners aged 16 and over who want to become qualified Early Years Educators and work with children from birth to five years

Someone looking for a full licence to practise and to be counted in staff-to-child ratios

A learner who has completed Level 2 in early years, childcare or a related field and is ready to progress

A parent, carer or volunteer wanting to move into a professional early years role

A career changer looking to enter the early years and childcare sector with a recognised Level 3 qualification

An ESOL learner who is ready to study and complete work placement at Level 3

A Level 2 qualification in a related area is not required but is strongly recommended.
If you are unsure whether this course is right for you, speak to our team at enrolment.

Your licence to practise

eligible to count in staff-to-child ratios on completion

300+ hours of real placement experience

working with children from birth to five years in an early years setting

Free, expert-led training

meeting the full DfE Early Years Educator criteria

Wrap-around support throughout

small classes, careers guidance and wellbeing service included

Progression and Career Opportunities

On completion of the Level 3 Diploma, you can move directly into employment in roles such as:

  • Educator in day nurseries and nursery schools
  • Educator in reception classes in primary schools
  • Pre-school practitioner
  • Children's centre worker

For further study and career progression, you can move on to:

  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (610/6133/5) — adds six further units and awards a graded qualification (Pass, Merit or Distinction) with UCAS points
  • Level 4 or Level 5 qualifications in early years leadership and management
  • Higher education, with universities potentially accepting personal statements on completion
  • Apprenticeships in early years roles

Important Information

  • This qualification confirms occupational competence and provides a full licence to practise as an Early Years Educator. On achievement, learners are eligible to be counted in staff-to-child ratios in early years settings across England.

    This qualification meets the Department for Education Early Years Educator (DfE EYE) criteria in full and maps to the Early Years Educator occupational standard ST0135.

    Learners wishing to gain a graded qualification (Pass, Merit or Distinction) with UCAS points should enquire about the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) (610/6133/5), which builds on this diploma with six additional units.

Career Potential

As a qualified Early Years Educator, you can earn up to £42,000 per year in London with experience.

  • Our Level 3 Diploma meets the full DfE Early Years Educator criteria and is recognised by nurseries, preschools and schools across London.
woman-taking-care-of-four-kids

Take the first step towards becoming a qualified Early Years Educator.

Apply now for ELATT's free Level 3 Diploma in London, or speak to an adviser to check this course is right for you.

Hear From Our Students

Meet Salma

Occupation: Office Administrator

This course has helped me a lot. Before I used to be worried about applying for work as I thought I would get rejected. Now I have much more confidence. I made new friends and I am able to communicate with others with greater confidence. I am now working in a job that I enjoy very much.

Salma

Student Projects, Showcases and Interviews

Return to Adult Courses

Early Years - Level 1 & 2

Health and Social Care - Level 1 & 2

What is the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma?

A Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification is a nationally recognised diploma that confirms you are occupationally competent to work professionally with children from birth to five years. It is the standard qualification required to work as a qualified practitioner in nurseries, preschools and reception classes, and it allows you to be counted in staff-to-child ratios in early years settings.

Is the Level 3 Early Years Educator course at ELATT free?

Yes. The Level 3 Diploma is fully funded for eligible adult learners in London. As a charity, ELATT receives government funding to remove financial barriers to learning, which means there is no course fee for eligible learners. Eligibility is confirmed at enrolment, but in most cases if you are aged 19 or over, live in London, and do not already hold a qualification at the same level or above, you will be eligible at no cost.

What is the difference between the Level 2 Certificate and the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma?

The Level 2 Certificate is a progression qualification that builds knowledge and prepares you for Level 3 study. It does not give you practitioner status or ratio-counting rights. The Level 3 Diploma is the full qualification: it confirms occupational competence, gives you a licence to practise, and makes you eligible to be counted in staff-to-child ratios. Most learners complete Level 2 before progressing to Level 3.

How many placement hours do I need for the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma?

You must complete a minimum of 300 hours of work placement in an early years setting, with 350 hours recommended where possible. Your placement must be in an early years setting, ideally one with a Good or Outstanding Ofsted rating. An ELATT tutor will visit your setting to observe and assess your practice.

Does the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma give me a licence to practise as an Early Years Educator?

Yes. On completion, you will hold a full licence to practise as an Early Years Educator and will be eligible to be counted in staff-to-child ratios in early years settings across England.

Do I need to sit any exams for the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma?

No. The Level 3 Diploma is assessed entirely through a portfolio of evidence built up across all 10 units throughout the course. There are no formal timed exams. Assessment is internally marked and externally quality assured by NCFE.

How long is the Level 3 Early Years Educator course at ELATT?

The Level 3 Diploma is 36 weeks, delivered through weekly live online sessions.

What jobs can I get after completing the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma?

On completion, you can work as an educator in day nurseries, nursery schools, preschools and reception classes in primary schools. With experience, you can progress into senior practitioner and room leader roles, and with further study into nursery management and leadership positions.

Can I do the Level 3 Early Years Educator course if English is not my first language?

Yes. We welcome ESOL learners and learners from all language backgrounds. You will need a sufficient level of English to complete written assignments at Level 3. Our team will discuss your English level with you at enrolment to make sure you are on the right pathway.

Is there any support beyond the Level 3 Early Years Educator course itself?

Yes. Your course is part of ELATT's Adult Study Programme, which goes beyond teaching to offer wrap-around support throughout your learning journey. Alongside your course, you will study wraparound subjects matched to your level following your initial assessment. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development, or Digital Skills, and you will earn a recognised qualification in each. You will also have access to our Careers and Employability Service (CV support, interview preparation and one-to-one career guidance) and our Wellbeing Service (wellbeing workshops and support groups).

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now and start building your future with ELATT's Level 3 Early Years Educator course.

New courses coming to ELATT this September! We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, Health & Social Care, and Youth Work — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

Register your interest