The Early Years Educator CACHE Level 3 Diploma
To Prepare 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. NCFE CACHE 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.
Entry requirements
You must be at least 16 years old. Learners will need to be working, in an Early Years setting to show competence in both knowledge and skills. You will need to work in a real work environment for a minimum of 350 recommended placement hours and be able to demonstrate competency in both knowledge and skills in the areas of 0-11months, 11months to three years and three to five years. This may mean three different working environments.
Essential: Those wishing to take out the Advanced Learner Loan must have their English and Maths GCSE Grade A-C certificates prior to application.
Course content
In order to achieve the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) learners must gain a total of 61 credits. To do this, they must achieve all 23 mandatory units.
The course is based 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
You will also be required to complete a longitudinal study.
Assessment methods
All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. You will have to access an e-portfolio, complete written assignments, activities, and undertake online learning. An assessor will also visit you in the placement to carry out observations.
Qualifications
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
Further study and career options
Course progression: Learners can progress to the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner or other higher-level early years qualifications. This qualification has the following UCAS Points - Pass - 32.
Career progression: Job roles include practitioner in day nurseries, practitioner in Nursery schools, practitioner in reception classes in primary schools and pre-school worker.
Additional information
It is highly recommended that you purchase the qualification course book. As part of this qualification, CACHE recommends completing a Paediatric First Aid qualification.
Funding information
This course is FREE if you’re aged 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged 19 or over you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Alternatively, you can pay by instalments to help make the cost of this course more affordable. Find out more about your payment options and how your loan could be written off at www.bedford.ac.uk/loans