Diploma For Early Years Workforce Level 3

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. Upon achievement of this qualification, it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators.

Ideal if

You are interested in starting a career in Childcare and want to work in a sector with multiple ranges of employment opportunities locally as well as moving on to further or higher education and you want a good solid foundation for starting a career supporting teaching and learning in a school.  It will help you to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to work in this sector. This course is aimed at people who have previously completed a level 2 qualification.

What to expect

This qualification is made up of units each representing a small step of learning. This allows the qualification to be completed at your own pace. Delivered roll-on roll-off, you can start at any time of the year with weekly one – one support from your tutor over 9 months.

What next

You may wish to progress onto an Apprenticeship, or further learning within the sector, or progress into a role such as a practitioner in day nurseries, Nursery schools, reception classes in primary schools or a pre-school worker.

Work Placement

A work placement of a total 350 hours is recommended for this qualification, with children aged between birth to 5 years, as an important part of the assessment process involves evaluating skills in real working situations. A work placement is required for 1 day per week.

Attendance days

Delivered roll-on roll-off, you can start at any time of the year with weekly one – one support from your tutor over 9 months.

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 upto £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

(UCAS points 32).