The Professional Role

Early Years Educators (EYEs), and other job roles such as Nursery Nurse and Childminder, are highly trained professionals who play a key role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. This level 3 diploma prepares learners to become EYEs, enabling them to work  with babies and young children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5-7 years. In addition to the diploma, you will also be required to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the EYE apprenticeship standard, a summary of these can be seen in the table to the right. 

In the EYE apprenticeship, you can work within a range of early years settings including full day care, children’s centres, preschools, reception classes and in a home setting as Childminders. You may be working on your own or supervising others to deliver the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by the Government for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old and further development understanding from 5-7 years.

The Learning Journey

The length of the course is typically 18 months plus the End Point Assessment.

On Programme Learning

The course is delivered as day release, using a blended learning model including formal workshops, tutorials and independent study. Some sessions will be delivered virtually using video calling. Through a series of assignments, observation and reflection you will work towards competency in all of the knowledge, skills and behaviours and then achieve the diploma for this qualification, a sample of these are listed in the knowledge, skills and behaviours table.

• You will need to be based in an early years setting to be able to complete this qualification. If based in a school, you will need to work with children under 5 years in the EYFS.

Additional Requirements

In addition to the above, you will need to achieve a level 2 Functional Skills qualification in English and maths if you do not already hold these at GCSE or equivalent. 

Plus a level 3 award in Paediatric First Aid (RQF) or level 3 award in Emergency Paediatric First Aid (RQF).

Progression

This qualification will support people wishing to take on a role with greater responsibilities in an early years settings.

End Point Assessment

Once you have met all the criteria to pass Gateway, the EPA will consist of:

• Professional discussion underpinned by your portfolio
• Knowledge test