NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

Worker and child learning together

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

This qualification has been designed with the work-based learner in mind. It enables learners to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years.

The qualification meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 3 full and relevant criteria for a Level 3 Early Years Educator.

You can register your interest by

Who is this qualification suitable for?

This qualification is designed for learners preparing 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.

How is this qualification structured?

This qualification is made up of 10 mandatory units

  • Introduction to the role of the early years educator
  • Holistic child development
  • Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
  • Effective communication in an early years setting
  • Safeguarding and welfare requirements
  • Health, wellbeing and safety
  • Promoting an effective early years curriculum
  • Assessment of children’s learning and development
  • Understanding play for holistic development and learning
  • Partnership working

Learners must achieve all 10 units, equating to 95 credits, which include observational studies and competence in a real work environment.

How is it assessed?

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods, including direct observation within the workplace and written evidence.

Do you need to be working to enrol on this qualification?

This qualification requires learners to complete mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of the qualification. It is recommend that learners complete 350 placement hours whilst undertaking this qualification.

Learners must be in a position to become fully involved in all activities, particularly the observation of children. This qualification requires assessment in real working situations.

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be aged 16 years or above and meet the criteria below:

  • To be able to be assessed working with children aged 0-5 years.
  • To be in a position to carry out 8 hours of study per week to complete the level 3 coursework
  • To have the appropriate level of literacy and numeracy
  • To have regular access to a pc or laptop which will allow you to access the on-line portfolio system (ipads/tablets/smart phones are not suitable)
  • To be able to surf the internet, send and receive emails with attachments, complete written work using a computer (with Microsoft Word) and be generally IT literate.
  • To be working or volunteering for a minimum of 8 hours a week. This ideally should be across 2 or more days to ensure consistency with key children.
  • To have, or be able to shadow a colleague working with, key children and to have the opportunity to observe children.
  • To work in a setting which would support a visiting assessor to observe your skills in the workplace. You may have to carry out specific tasks set by your assessor.
How long will it take?

Learners will be enrolled for 18 months.

How much does it cost?

Full cost course fee: £4670
For learners aged 19+ this course can be funded through an Advanced Learner Loan

Further information can be found on the government website:

Discounts are available for staff working in Early Years Alliance member settings.

How will the training be delivered?

The Early Years Alliance offers the diploma through a blended learning programme which includes virtual classroom sessions, written tasks, online courses, 1-1 reviews and assessment in the workplace.

You will need to fully participate in all aspects of the training programme, attend the monthly virtual classroom sessions, engage weekly with your assessor and complete tasks by set deadlines. 

At points throughout the programme, your assessor will visit your workplace or placement to complete observations and assessment of your practice.

Enrolment process:
  • Application form – to be completed in full and returned.
  • Funding options, information, advice and guidance – one of our training advisors will contact you to discuss your application and provide information about options available to you
  • Online English and maths assessments – to check the qualification level is appropriate and to ascertain any additional support needed.
  • Telephone interview and skills scan – to discuss the training delivery, additional support requirements (if required) and complete a skills scan to check for prior knowledge and skills.
  • Fees – funding arrangements and documents to be finalised.
  • Induction confirmation – the date of your induction and formal start date will be confirmed.
  • Enrolment paperwork – the formal enrolment paperwork will be issued to you to review and sign.
  • Formal start – attend the induction/first day of learning.
What related qualifications can you progress to?

NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner qualification

IMPORTANT INFORMATION about Early Years Educator qualifications and staff ratios

To enrol on this Early Years Educator qualification, you do not need to hold/evidence achievement in English or Maths.

However, once you have achieved your Early Years Educator qualification, to be counted in the EYFS staff:child ratios at level 3 candidates must also hold a suitable English qualification. 

If you don’t already hold this, we would recommend completing it prior to or after achieving the EYE to ensure you can be counted in ratios.

Suitable English qualifications include:  

English

  • Functional skills qualification in English at level 2
  • GCSE/International GCSE qualification in English language and/or literature to at least grade C or 4
  • Key skills qualification in communication at level 2
  • A level or AS level qualification in English language and/or English literature to at least grade E
  • level qualification in English to at least grade C
  • CSE grade 1 English (language)
  • Basic skills certificate L2 - certificate in adult literacy
  • British Sign Language (BSL) for people who use BSL as their primary language
  • Also recognised: Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh equivalents.

Changes from January 2024

The requirement for level 3 educators to hold a level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) maths qualification was removed. However, this requirement still applies to managers, who are "responsible for ensuring their staff have the right level of maths knowledge to deliver high-quality early years provision".

Suitable maths qualifications include:

Maths

  • Functional skills qualification in maths at level 2
  • GCSE/International GCSE qualification in maths to at least grade C or 4
  • Key skills qualification in application of number at level 2
  • A level or AS level qualification in maths or pure maths and/or further maths to at least grade E
  • level qualification in maths to at least grade C
  • CSE grade 1 maths
  • Basic skills certificate L2 - certificate in adult numeracy
  • Also recognised: Scottish, Northern Irish and Welsh equivalents.

For more information on ratio requirements please see

Training offer

To register your interest and start the application process, please complete the online form below or contact our Training Centre.

Early Years Alliance Training Centre

training@eyalliance.org.uk

01732 363070

 Suite 32 Riverside House, River Lawn Road, Tonbridge, Kent, TN9 1EP