Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Learning and Development

Students will study the Level 3 diploma alongside working or volunteering in an early years setting with children aged between 0-5 years. Students will be required to attend class in person every 4 weeks. Students will need to have access to an electronic device, preferably a laptop or computer to access their online portfolio.

This course is for anyone who wishes to continue their career in the early years sector, providing the knowledge and skills to be able to become a qualified early years educator.

To gain this qualification, learners must achieve a total of 64 credits from the 9 mandatory units and a minimum of 3 optional units. This qualification will require learners to demonstrate skills, knowledge and understanding in the following mandatory areas:

• Knowledge of child development
• Safeguarding, including child protection
• Health and safety
• Wellbeing
• Communication
• Strategies for developing early literacy and maths
• Plan and lead purposeful play opportunities
• Record observational assessments accurately
• Work cooperatively with colleagues, parents and other professionals

To achieve the Diploma in Children’s Care and Education, learners must successfully demonstrate their achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the mandatory and optional units.

All units are internally-assessed using a range of methods including recorded professional discussion. Competence-based outcomes must be achieved with reference to a real work environment and must include direct observation within the workplace carried out by a qualified assessor.

• A recognised Level 2 childcare qualification
• Access to 360 hours of practical experience over the duration of the course (approx. 24 hours per week)
• Ability to be self-motivated and meet the targets set
• Able to complete coursework to a high standard and carry out further research
• Able to be a confident communicator
• Able to dedicate approx. 5-10 hours per week to coursework
• Able to use basic IT packages, as an electronic portfolio is used for coursework.