A level 3 early years qualification is a nationally recognised qualification for anyone who wants to work with children aged from birth to 5 years old in an early years setting, such as a nursery, pre-school or childminding service. It is designed for learners who want to become early years educators, equipping them with the knowledge and practical skills to support young children every day.
At Focus Awards, this qualification sits within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Every qualification we develop is checked against a nationally recognised standard, so employers across the UK know exactly what a learner has studied and can do once they finish.
In this blog, we will look at what the level 3 diploma covers, who it is for, the entry routes into it, and how it can help you build a long-term career in the early years workforce.
Who Is This Qualification For?
This level 3 early years educator course is aimed at people already working, or hoping to work, with children. It suits:
- School leavers who want to start a career that involves working with children
- Career changers moving into childcare
- Existing early years workforce staff who want to progress from a level 2 qualification
- Learners who already hold a diploma for the early years and want an updated, regulated award
Many learners come to this course after completing a level 2 childcare qualification. The level 3 diploma builds on that foundation and gives learners the deeper knowledge needed to take on more responsibility in a setting.
What Does the Course Cover?
The level 3 diploma covers the full range of knowledge and skills a learner needs to support children’s development. Learners study:
Child development. How children grow and develop from birth, covering physical, communication, social and emotional development at each stage.
Learning and development. How children learn best through play, and how to plan activities that support this, including early literacy and early number and math skills.
Safeguarding. Every early years qualification places safeguarding at the centre of the course. Learners study how to keep children safe, how to spot signs a child may be at risk, and what to do if they have a concern.
The EYFS framework. The course is built around the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), the framework set out by the Department for Education that all early years settings in England must follow. Learners study the seven areas of learning within the EYFS and how to apply them day to day.
Working with parents and other professionals. Learners also study how to build strong relationships with parents and carers, and how to work alongside other professionals to support each child’s individual needs.
Entry Requirements
Focus Awards does not usually set fixed academic entry requirements for this qualification, but most learners will already hold a level 2 qualification in early years or childcare, or have relevant experience working with children. Some approved centres may ask for GCSEs in English and maths, so it is worth checking directly with your chosen training provider.
How Long Does It Take?
Most learners complete the level 3 diploma over one to two years, depending on whether they study full-time, part-time, or alongside paid work in a setting. The course combines classroom learning with practical experience, so learners get hands-on time working with children as part of their studies.
Once a learner starts the course, their training provider registers them with Focus Awards so their progress and final results can be properly recorded and verified.
Career Opportunities After the Course
Once qualified, learners can work as an early years educator in a wide range of settings, including day nurseries, pre-schools, childminding services, and reception classes in primary schools. Some learners use the qualification as a stepping stone towards further study, such as our Level 3 Award in Education and Training if they later want to move into teaching or training others.
Because the qualification is recognised across the UK, it also gives learners flexibility. A Level 3 diploma from Focus Awards is transferable between settings and regions, which is useful if you plan to move or change employer during your career.
Why Choose Focus Awards?
Focus Awards is an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. This means every qualification we develop, including our level 3 early years qualification, is quality assured and meets a nationally recognised standard. Learners can be confident their certificate is genuinely recognised by employers and training providers across the UK.
We work with a network of approved centres who deliver our qualifications, giving learners across the country access to high-quality early years training that is properly regulated and supported.
Get Started With Focus Awards
If you are ready to start a rewarding career working with children, a level 3 early years qualification is a strong place to begin. To find an approved centre near you, or to learn more about how to become an approved centre if you run a training business, get in touch with the Focus Awards team today.
Get in Touch with Focus Awards
To find out more or to get in touch, visit our contact page or explore our qualification development services if you need a bespoke qualification developed for your organisation.
You can explore our full range of qualifications on our website at https://focusawards.org.uk/qualification/ or contact us directly at info@focusawards.org.uk or on 0333 3447 388.
