Qualification Number 601/4000/8

What does the qualification cover?

The Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) enables learners to gain the knowledge and experience which will allow them to work with children from birth to 5 years. Upon achievement of the Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education it is intended that learners will be able to access higher education or enter the workforce as Early Years Educators.

UCAS Points

This qualification has the following UCAS Points – D – 72, C – 96, B – 120, A – 144, A* – 168.

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for a range of learners either working or wishing to work in early years education and care. The Diploma is also suitable for those wishing to progress to higher education.

What are our entry requirements for commencing the qualification?

You should be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

Early Years Educator: Changes to GCSE Requirements

From 3 April 2017, the requirement for Level 3 Early Years Educators (EYE) to hold GCSE English and maths A*-C, will be broadened to Level 2 qualifications, including Functional Skills. This will also apply to an apprenticeship route. This will enable staff with an EYE qualification and Level 2 English and mathematics qualifications to count in the Level 3 staff:child ratios in childcare settings. This includes those who already hold an EYE qualification, began studying an EYE from September 2014 or will achieve an EYE in the future.

Education Funding Agency-funded learners

Learners aged 16-19 (and learners aged 19-24 with learning difficulties and/or disabilities) funded by the Education Funding Agency will not require GCSE English and maths grade A* – C prior to commencing their Early Years Educator qualification. However, the Department for Education expect learners without English and/or maths GCSE at grade C to be offered and encouraged to take up GCSEs as part of their Study Programme. From 2016/17 learners will need to have completed or be studying GCSE English and maths to have their study programme funded.

Rules of combination for the Diploma:

In order to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) learners must complete 15 mandatory units, including all the criteria learners must know about which is contained within the delivery guidance. Learners must also complete an Effective Practise Study Task and one Extended Assessment (externally set, externally marked).

There are two early exit points; the first on achievement of the Award and the second on achievement of the Certificate.

Each unit throughout the qualification will be graded A*-D with the qualification overall grading being A* – D.

Assessment Opportunities

Assessment opportunities for all the externally set and marked assessments for the Certificate and Diploma will be limited to one attempt and one further reattempt opportunity to undertake an alternative assessment.