City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator)

About my course

This City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) is a nationally recognised and Ofqual Regulated Qualification, accepted by major regulatory bodies such as Ofsted. This course also meets the DfE Criteria for Staff:Child Ratios. This course is completed on our online learning system as a distance learning course over the duration of 6 – 12 months.

 

Once you have begun your journey with us, you will have access to our online learning system where you will be able to contact your assessor for support and submit your written assignments and other course evidence. Our online learning platform also features easy-to-access assessment plans, feedback, course materials, course progress, and online messaging.

 

You will be assessed through a variety of assessment methods, including; Written Assignments, Work Product Evidence, Professional Discussions, and Direct Observation.

 

Our Online Learning Platform is quick and simple to enrol onto, after purchase you will receive login details by email to begin your online learning journey - with no hidden fees. 

 

Click here to download the Sample Certificate >

 

How does the City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) course work?

• Once you make the payment, you will be automatically emailed your student log-in details
• You can immediately begin enrolment from the moment you log in
• Next, you will have a course induction over the telephone 
• You will then be allocated an assessor who will put together an assessment plan
• You begin your coursework on the online learning system. 
• You can track your course progression on the progress bar.
• Receive support from your assessor. You will communicate via a messaging system, emails and phone calls. They will also mark your coursework and leave feedback on the online platform
• You will be assessed by an assessor who will come out to your workplace to carry out the observations
• Upon course completion, you will have achieved the City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator)

 

TOTUM Card Eligible

Candidates enrolled in this course are eligible to apply for an NUS TOTUM Pro Student Discount Card, please follow the link for more information: https://www.thelearningstation.co.uk/totum-id-card

Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, candidates enrolling on to this course must be a minimum age of 16. It’s recommended that candidates are working at a minimum of Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy.

As this qualification is based online, this course is recommended for candidates who possess a Basic level of IT understanding to complete the course efficiently.

There is no requirement for learners to hold a GCSE Grades at Grade A* - C or equivalent in English and Mathematics prior to enrolling on to this course, however, candidates should be aware that this is required to obtain Early Years Educator Status.

Although it is recommended, it is not essential for candidates to be in full time, or part time employment to complete this course, however, candidates must have access to a suitable workplace to be able to meet the work experience requirements.

Mandatory Units

Unit 300: Developing effective study skills - K/506/0194

• Understand how to develop study skills
• Know a range of study strategies and techniques
• Know the factors that affect study
• Be able to use and apply study skills to achieve a set outcome

 

Unit 301: Promote partnership working with parents - D/506/0192

• Understand the principles and values that underpin parental involvement in their child’s early learning
• Understand the barriers which could prevent partnership working with parents
• Be able to work in partnership with parents

 

Unit 302: Model, promote and support positive behaviour with children - F/506/0203

• Understand how legislation, frameworks, codes of practice and policies relate to supporting the positive behaviour of children
• Be able to support children to understand their behaviour
• Be able to respond positively to children’s behaviour
• Be able to promote self-confidence, self-esteem and resilience in children

 

Unit 303: Principles of safeguarding policies and procedures in early years settings - Y/506/0207

• Understand the main legislation, guidelines, policiesand procedures for safeguarding in early years settings
• Understand the importance of working in partnership with other organisations to safeguard children
• Understand how to recognise and respond to evidence or concerns of abuse or harm in an early years setting
• Understand the importance of e-safety for children in an early years setting

 

Unit 304 Promoting diversity, equality and inclusion in the early years sector - T/506/0196

• Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in the early years sector
• Understand how to promote inclusive practice
• Be able to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in an early years setting

 

Unit 305 Working in partnership with colleagues and other professionals in early years settings - D/506/0208

• Understand the reasons for working in partnership with colleague and other professionals to support children and families in the early years sector
• Understand how to identify a support need that requires partnership working
• Understand the duty of care and legislation that requires the early years practitioner to identify and act on support needs
• Be able to work co-operatively with colleagues and other professionals

 

Unit 306 Plan and implement activities, play opportunities and educational programmes in an early years setting - F/506/0198

• Understand the importance of planning and implementing activities, play opportunities and educational programmes in line with current educational curriculum requirements
• Be able to plan activities, play opportunities and educational programmes in line with current educational curriculum requirements
• Be able to implement activities, play opportunities and educationa programmes in line with current educational curriculum requirements
• Be able to reflect on activities, play opportunities and educational programmes

 

Unit 307 Promoting children’s health and welfare in an early years setting - J/506/0199

• Understand the health and welfare requirements of the current early years statutory guidance
• Understand the importance of promoting positive health and well - being for children
• Understand how to ensure children receive high quality, balanced nutrition and hydration to meet their growth and development needs
• Be able to provide personal care for children
• be able to meet the nutrition and hydration needs of children

 

Unit 308 Promoting the health and safety of children - M/506/0200

• Understand the health and safety requirements of the current ear years statutory guidance
• Understand how to identify and manage risks and dilemmas in early years settings
• Understand appropriate responses to accidents, incidents emergencies and illness in work settings and off site visits
• Be able to recognise and manage risks to health, safety and security in a work setting or off-site visits
• Be able to follow infection control procedures within an early years setting

 

Unit 309 Promote children’s speech, language and communication development - T/506/0201

• Understand the importance of speech, language and communication for children’s overall development
• understand the importance and the benefits of adults supporting the speech, language and communication development of children
• Be able to support children’s speech, language and communication development
• Be able to contribute to maintaining a positive early years environment that supports communication, language, literacy and numeracy/mathematics

 

Unit 310 Support organisational requirements for recording, storing and disclosing information and providing reports in an early years setting - A/506/0202

• Understand the legal and organisational requirements for recording, storing and disclosing information and providing reports in an early years setting
• Be able to handle information in accordance with agreed ways of working
• Be able to use records and reports to inform judgments and decisions in an early years setting

 

Unit 311 Supporting children’s creative and imaginative play and experiences - L/506/0205

• Understand the developmental stages of creativity and imaginative playing children
• Know the role of the practitioner in supporting creative development and imaginative play in children
• Understand how the environment, activities and resources can b used to support children’s creative development and imaginative play
• Be able to support children’s creativity and imaginative play
• Be able to support children’s creativity through the use of media and materials
• Be able to use communication to support children’s creativity, creative experiences and imaginative play
• Be able to evaluate and develop practice and activities that support creative and imaginative development for children

 

Unit 312 Supporting children experiencing transitions and significant events in the early years sector - R/506/0206

• Understand the potential effects of transitions and significant events in the lives of children
• Be able to support children through the management of transitions and significant events

 

Unit 313 Continuous professional development using reflective practice in the early years sector - J/506/0204

• Understand the importance of continuing professional development and reflective practice in the early years sector
• Be able to agree and implement a professional development plan
• Be able to use reflective practice in own work role in the early years setting

 

Unit 400 Theories which underpin practice in the early years sector - M/506/0195

• Understand the theories that underpin current early years practice
• Understand the significance of attachment and how to promote it
• Understand the importance of play in supporting children’s learning and development
• Understand the purposes and principles of early years pedagogy and systems in the early years sector

 

Unit 401 Child development from conception to 7 years - H/506/0193

• Understand the expected pattern and holistic aspects of development for children from birth to 7 years
• Understand pre and post natal neurological and brain development in children from conception to 7 years
• Understand the factors that influence development of children from conception to 7 years

 

Unit 402 Observation and assessment in the early years sector - A/506/0197

• Understand the purpose and value of observation and assessme in the early years sector
• Understand the principles of observations and assessments in an early years setting
• Know observation and assessment methods available in an early years setting
• Know how to involve others in observation and assessment for early years sector
• Be able to carry out observations and assessments of children in the early years sector
• Be able to use observations and assessments to evaluate and inform practice in an early years setting

 

 

To achieve the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator), learners must achieve 64 credits from the mandatory units shown above. 

Assessment Method

This qualification requires an assessment of both competence and knowledge. Throughout your City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) course, you will be assessed through a variety of methods:

• Written assignments and coursework
• Having a manager or colleague complete a witness testimony of tasks completed in a workplace
• Direct observations of you carrying out work-related tasks
• Professional discussions over the phone
• Supplying us with work product evidence.

There is a huge range of job opportunities for people with City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator). Our childcare qualifications can help you find work as a:

• Early years practitioner
• Early years educator
• Nursery nurse
• Childminder
• SureStart worker
• Preschool advisor

 

Who is this course for?

This qualification is suitable for those who want to progress in a career working with babies, toddlers and young children, from birth to 5 years old. The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator) (QCF) course is therefore perfect for early years practitioners and early years educators who work in pre-schools and nurseries.

Please note that if you work in a residential setting or with children over five years old at schools, you would be more suitable for the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and the Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce, respectively.

Course Enrolment

After your purchase, you will receive login information to begin your online course registration. Once logged in to your account, you will complete a quick 10-step enrolment progress consisting of initial assessments, skill checks and a telephone induction before you are allocated an assessor to begin your course.

 

Starting the course

Your assessor will issue you with your first assessment plan, detailing the units and criteria that you need to complete, which format to complete them in and where to find additional information if needed. You can find your assessment plan, progress bar and all the work you need to complete quickly and easily from your course dashboard.

 

Submitting Work

When you have completed a written assignment, you can upload your written work to your online course within just 2 clicks from logging on to your online account. Your assessor will mark your work and give you feedback which will be displayed on your course page and emailed to you for ease of reference

 

Getting Help

Getting Help From time to time, you might need a little bit of help, which is why we have a ‘live chat’ button on your learning portal for you to use at any time between 9 am and 6 pm Mon - Fri. You also have a messaging button that can be accessed from your dashboard to quickly message your assessor, IQA or administration staff.

 

On completion

Once you have completed your course, your assessor will need to finalise your course work before sending it to our IQA, this usually takes a week or two as they may need to revisit all the work you have completed. The IQA will sample your work once the assessor submits it to them, and from that point, your certificate should be claimed within 2-4 weeks.

 

Staff Qualifications and Ratios:

Level 2

For anyone who has a level 2 early years qualification that they attained after 1st September 2019, provided that this meets the level 2 relevant and full criteria, they can be counted towards the staff to child ratio at level 2.

 

Level 3

For a staff member who has a level 3 qualification from 1st September 2014, provided they meet the full level 3 relevant criteria, they can also be counted towards the EYFS staff to child ratio at level 3.

 

Higher levels

For those staff members who have a qualification in early years at the level of four or five (completed as part of a level 6 course) if that four or five level qualification is not listed as meeting the relevant and full criteria, they will not be able to be part of the EYFS staff to child ratio at level 3.


The DfE has a list of qualifications which meet their criteria allowing the holder of that qualification to count as part of the staff to child ratio according to the regulations set down by the EYFS. If you are not sure whether your qualification qualifies you to work in the early years setting then you can check this early years qualification list:

early years qualifications list

 

How do I log into my course?

Approximately 15 minutes after purchase, you will receive your login details by email, including a link and instructions to log into your course. You can also find your learning portal by clicking on the ‘student login’ button on our website, or by clicking here; lms.thelearningstation.co.uk

 

When will I have my induction?

Your induction will be arranged once you have finished all of the other enrolment modules, and will take place over the phone.

 

When will my work get marked?

You can expect any work submitted to be marked within just 14 days unless agreed otherwise with your assessor. Your work may not be marked within 14 days if you submitted more than 3 assignments in a month.

 

Are there any classes or learning materials?

As our qualifications are vocational and work-based courses, you are expected to conduct research and gain skills, knowledge and understanding from your working environment. Your assessor will provide you with assessment plans, which may include guidance and materials, as well as providing constructive feedback on the work that you complete.

 

When will I hear from my tutor/assessor?

Your assessor will provide you with assessment plans with work to complete, as well as their contact information. They will not reach out to you if you are not doing your work, you need to get in touch if you are having trouble with your assignments.

Your assessor should respond to any messages from you within just 3-working days, but it is usually sooner. If you have sent your assessor a message and you haven’t heard back from them, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

 

When will I get my certificate?

On completion of your course, there are steps that we must take to quality assure your qualification to then send to the awarding organisation.

1. The Assessor must review your work in full before submitting it to our IQA, this usually takes around 2 weeks.
2. The IQA will review any requests within 1-months, but this is usually sooner. If there are actions on your portfolio it will be sent to the assessor for them to complete, and then these steps will be repeated.
3. Once the IQA has quality checked and approved your portfolio for external sampling by the awarding body, the office will submit the claim for your certificate within 5 working days.
4. The awarding body will usually issue a certificate within 2-weeks from this point; however, they may request sampling of your work, in which case it can be up to one month.
5. The usual duration is 1-2 months from completion.

 

 

 

 

Watch this video for an overview of the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (Early Years Educator):