Level 3 Diploma for working in the Early Years Sector (EYE)

Overview

Level 3 Diploma for working in the Early Years Sector (EYE), is for those interested in starting a career in Childcare or to progress from a Level 2 qualification in the sector.  This course designed to prepare learners with the knowledge, skills and understanding necessary to enter work in an early years setting and be included in staff : child ratios.

What you will learn

The aim of this qualification is 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.

What to expect

This qualification has a minimum 350 work placement hours, with children aged between birth to 5 years. An important part of the assessment process involves evaluating skills in real working situations, where you will be observed by a tutor. A work placement is required for 2 days per week.

What next

Completing this qualification will give you a licence to practice at Level 3.  As long as you also have or achieved both your Level 2 English and First Aid qualifications, you could then progress into roles such as a practitioner in day nurseries, nursery schools, reception classes in primary schools or a pre-school worker.

Learners can also progress onto an Apprenticeship, or other higher-level early years qualifications.

Attendance 

Those over the age of 19, this course is delivered roll-on roll-off basis, where you can start at any time of the year.

Those who are 16 – 18 in age, this course will follow an academic year, starting in September and ending in July, each year.

Wider Curriculum activities

Throughout the year there will be a range of visits from Employers representing Early Years Settings, who come in to talk about working in the sector and visits are arranged to local places of interest for children and families whereby the learners have a chance to practice their risk management skills and mapping activities to the early years Curriculum. The Childcare and Education Department supports a number of local and National Charities throughout the year, creating lots of opportunities for team building and personal development skills.

What it feels like to be a student

Support staff are on site such as pastoral care, finance and careers advice.

“I have really enjoyed learning at ATL. I would definitely be interested in doing further courses here. The staff are all really warm and supportive. I have really felt at ease here”.

Salary and Career expectations

Apprenticeships are widely available within this sector. With experience and further training, you can apply for supervisory jobs and progress into nursery management. Employment as a qualified nursery worker, you can expect on average a starting salary of £18,000 and can go up to £34,000 depending on your experience and which part of the sector you work in. Progressing onto the second year level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education will provide additional opportunities including higher education