Level 3 Diploma Ofqual-regulated · Qualifi · 610/0013/6

Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)

Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) · Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education · online with Education Training

Duration: 6 Months or 9 Months Fees from: £950 Start: enrol any time

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Education Training offers the Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) (qualification number 610/0013/6), online over 6 or 9 months. The qualification comprises 15 mandatory units with a combined total of 83 credits. Fees from £950. Professional development for Early Years Educators is one of 15 units (83 credits).

What is this qualification?

The Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) is a highly regarded programme designed to provide comprehensive training in the field of early childhood education. This course focuses on nurturing essential skills and knowledge needed to become a competent early years educator. From child development and safeguarding to curriculum planning and inclusive teaching practices, you will gain a solid foundation in all aspects of early years education and care. With practical experience and industry-relevant curriculum, this qualification prepares you for rewarding careers as a nursery practitioner, preschool teacher, or childcare provider. Enrol now to kickstart your journey in the dynamic and fulfiling world of early years education and care.

Who is this qualification for?

This qualification is a comprehensive qualification designed for individuals who want to work in the early years sector as highly skilled and qualified practitioners. This course provides in-depth knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of early childhood development, education, and care.

Aspiring Early Years Practitioners: If you have a passion for working with young children and want to start a career in the early years sector, this diploma is an ideal choice. It equips you with the necessary knowledge and skills to provide high-quality education and care to children aged 0-5 years.
Nursery Practitioners: This course is well-suited for nursery practitioners working in nurseries, preschools, or childcare centres. It deepens your understanding of child development theories, curriculum planning, and effective teaching strategies, enabling you to create nurturing and stimulating environments for young children.
Childcare Centre Managers: If you hold a managerial position in a childcare centre or aspire to become one, this diploma can enhance your leadership and organisational skills. It covers topics such as managing early years provision, promoting health and safety, and supporting staff development, enabling you to effectively manage an early years education and care setting.
Childminders: Individuals working as childminders can benefit from this course as it provides a solid foundation of knowledge in early childhood education and care. It equips you with skills to promote children's holistic development, establish positive relationships with families, and create engaging learning experiences in a home-based setting.
Career Changers: It provides a recognised qualification that demonstrates your competence and commitment to providing high-quality care and education to young children.

This qualification is highly regarded within the early years sector and allows you to pursue various roles such as early years practitioner, nursery manager, childminder, or preschool teacher.

Qualifi publishes its full target audience for this qualification on its own page.

Why choose this qualification

The "the qualification" is essential for individuals aspiring to work in early years education. This course is required as it meets the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards, equipping learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent Early Years Educators. Accredited by reputable bodies, it ensures high-quality education and care for children aged 0-5. With a focus on child development, safeguarding, and curriculum planning, graduates are well-prepared to create nurturing and stimulating environments for young learners. Enroling in this diploma opens doors to rewarding careers in nurseries, preschools, and other early years settings, making a positive impact on children's lives.

Qualification structure and units

The qualification totals 83 credits. Unit details are published in the Qualifi specification.

Unit	Type	Credits
Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through food, nutrition and exercise	Mandatory	—
Supporting physical care routines for children and for unwell children	Mandatory	—
Promoting children’s emotional well-being, social and emotional development	Mandatory	—
Understanding the needs of the mother and baby pre-conception, during pregnancy and the first year of life	Mandatory	—
The role of the Early Years practitioner	Mandatory	—
Legislation relating to Early Years practice	Mandatory	—
Working in partnership	Mandatory	—
Supporting children through play in Early Years	Mandatory	—
Developing the literacy, mathematical and communication skills of children	Mandatory	—
Understand the needs of the child in preparing for school	Mandatory	—
Understanding children’s cognitive development	Mandatory	—
Promoting the physical development of children	Mandatory	—
Supporting children with additional needs	Mandatory	—
Using studies and tools to promote the development of children	Mandatory	—
Professional development for Early Years Educators	Mandatory	—
Total for the qualification		83

Source: Qualifi qualification specification (PDF) · Ofqual qualification number 610/0013/6.

How you study

Standard study plan: 6 Months; extended plan: 9 Months.

At Education Training the qualification is delivered online: you receive the materials, assignment briefs and tutor support through the learning platform and submit work when you are ready. There are no fixed lecture times, so you can start in any month.

How you are assessed

Units are assessed through written assignments and, where the qualification requires it, observed teaching or assessment practice. Work is marked by the centre and externally verified by Qualifi. There are no examinations.

Entry requirements

Entry to the qualification will be through centre interview and applicants will be expected to be aged 16 or over and hold a Level 2 qualification.

Qualifi publishes its full entry requirements for this qualification on its own page.

Fees and payment plans

Duration	Total fee	Payment option	You pay
6 Months	£1,250	3 × £416 monthly	£1,248
6 Months	£1,250	Pay in full (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)	£1,187.50
9 Months	£950	5 × £190 monthly	£950
		2 × £475 quarterly	£950
		Pay in full (We offer 5% bursary on total fee for students opting to pay in full)	£902.50

A £10 enrolment fee is paid with the application. Fees include tuition, learning materials, assignment marking and the awarding-body certificate. Prices correct as of 23 October 2026.

Refund policy · Complaints procedure

What is included

Item	Included
Tuition and learning materials for every unit	Included
Tutor support and assignment feedback	Included
Assessment and marking	Included
Qualifi registration and certificate	Included
Instalment plan	Available at no extra charge
Application fee	£10 enrolment fee

Progression and career routes

A QUALIFI Level 4 qualifications, or directly into employment in an associated profession.

Related job profiles on the National Careers Service (pay, hours and entry routes are published there):

How this qualification compares

Figures below come from Education Training's own catalogue and enquiry records, not from estimates; each carries the date it was calculated.

Mandatory and optional units across Level 3 Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) qualifications (as of 23 October 2026): the qualification: 15 mandatory, 0 optional
Regulated qualifications offered by Education Training, by level (as of 23 October 2026): Level 2: 1 qualification; Level 3: 7 qualifications; Level 4: 14 qualifications; Level 5: 13 qualifications; Level 6: 3 qualifications; Level 7: 4 qualifications (42 in total)
Share of course-page views by RQF level (all time) (as of 23 October 2026): Level 0: 2%; Level 3: 6%; Level 4: 1%; Level 5: 90%; Level 6: 1%
Credits and study hours by RQF level (as of 23 October 2026): Level 2: median 37 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 3: median 18 credits, TQT hours, GLH; Level 4: median 33 credits, 780 TQT hours, 125 GLH; Level 5: median 120 credits, 815 TQT hours, 600 GLH; Level 6: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 480 GLH; Level 7: median 120 credits, 1200 TQT hours, 600 GLH

Awarding body and regulation

This qualification is awarded by Qualifi, an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual. Its qualification number is 610/0013/6 — view the entry on the Ofqual register. Education Training is an approved centre: we deliver and assess the qualification, Qualifi verifies our assessment decisions and issues the certificate. Read about Qualifi recognition.

How to apply

Pay the £10 enrolment fee when you submit your application (separate from the course fee).

Apply online
Use Apply now to open the application form with this programme pre-selected. Tell us about your current role and qualifications; pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment when prompted.
Course activation
Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours.
Course fee
Admissions email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan (usually within one working day). There is no fixed intake date.

Frequently asked questions

What is this qualification equivalent to?

This qualification sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Equivalent to A-levels / access to higher education. The level describes the demand of the learning, not how long it takes; the credit value and total qualification time are shown in the facts panel above.

How many credits is this qualification?

The qualification carries 83 credits. Credits are awarded per unit on successful completion and are recorded on the Qualifi certificate, so they can be recognised by universities and other awarding bodies for progression or exemption. The facts panel at the top of this page lists the level, credits, duration options, awarding body and qualification number.

How long does this qualification take?

You can complete it in 6 Months or 9 Months, depending on the study plan you choose at enrolment. Education Training delivers it online, so you study part-time and pace the assignments around work; the plan sets the registration period and the instalment schedule, and extensions are available if you need more time.

Is this qualification recognised?

Yes. Qualifi is an awarding organisation regulated by Ofqual, and this qualification is listed on the public register under qualification number 610/0013/6. Education Training is a Qualifi approved centre, so the certificate you receive is issued by the awarding body and carries the same standing wherever you studied it.

Are there exams?

No. Assessment is by written assignments for each unit and, where the qualification requires it, observed practice. Work is marked by Education Training tutors against the Qualifi assessment criteria and externally verified by the awarding body. You receive written feedback on each submission and can resubmit work that does not yet meet the criteria.

What are the entry requirements?

Entry to the qualification will be through centre interview and applicants will be expected to be aged 16 or over and hold a Level 2 qualification. The facts panel at the top of this page lists the level, credits, duration options, awarding body and qualification number.

What does it cost and how can I pay?

Fees start from £950 depending on the study plan; the fees table above shows the total for each duration and the pay-in-full and instalment options. Tuition, materials, marking and the Qualifi certificate are included. A £10 enrolment fee is paid when you apply. Prices are shown as of the date in the fees section.

How do I apply with Education Training?

Apply online and pay the £10 enrolment fee to complete enrolment. Once you enrol, we email your course activation link within 24 hours. Admissions also email a secure link to pay the course fee in full or on an instalment plan, usually within one working day.

When can I start?

Any time. There is no fixed intake: enrolment is open all year and you begin as soon as your first payment is received. Because the course is delivered online with assignment-based assessment, you are not tied to a term calendar and can pace the units around your work and family commitments.

What can I progress to afterwards?

A QUALIFI Level 4 qualifications, or directly into employment in an associated profession. The progression section above links to the next qualification on this site. The facts panel at the top of this page lists the level, credits, duration options, awarding body and qualification number.

Progression path

Level 3 Diploma
→
Level 4 Diploma

Browse every Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) qualification or all Level 3 qualifications.

Who awards and delivers this qualification

Awarding organisation

Qualifi, regulated by Ofqual.

Qualification number 610/0013/6.

View on the register

Source

Qualifi qualification specification (PDF). Facts on this page are taken from it and re-checked nightly.

Last reviewed 22 October 2026Published by the Education Training admissions team

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