CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) QCF Course
The new CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) qualification (QRN: 601/2629/2) has been approved by the National College of Teaching & Leadership. It has been introduced to entirely replace the current Level 3 Diploma for the Children & Young People’s Workforce (QCF) from September 2014.
This qualification sets the standards that all early years practitioners must meet to ensure that they are able to support & promote children’s early education & that children develop correctly taking care to see that they are kept safe & healthy. The course promotes teaching & learning to make sure that children have the skills they need to start school with a broad range of knowledge.
The CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) training course & subsequent qualification will enable you to enjoy a childcare work in partnership with colleagues, parents/carers or other professionals.
What is an Early Years Practitioner (EYP)?
From September 2014 anybody who wishes to work as a fully qualified Early Years Practitioner will be required to complete this Early Years Educator course. It will be the only level 3 vocational qualification that will allow you to fully engage in childcare.
Early Years Practitioners will work in various settings to care for babies & children aged from birth to five years old & have an understanding of children aged 5 – 7 years. It will be the role of the Early Years Educator to help the children learn, develop & prepare for school. The EYP may support Early Years teachers or indeed may deliver the childcare & teaching themselves.
Am I required to do a placement?
In order to achieve your CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) qualification you will be required to do a minimum of 350 hours in a suitable placement.
In order to get the most out of your placement, we strongly advise that placements should be done in at least 2 different settings to cover the following age ranges:
Age range Hours
0 – 1 year 11 months (working with babies) 25
2 – 2 years 11 months (working with toddlers) 133
3 – 5 years (working with pre-school children) 192
If you have a placement in a setting which provides care & education for children & means that you can get the required experience across these three age ranges then you do not need to do a placement outside of this one setting.
What about the theory aspect of the training?
Our course is designed to be as flexible as possible & means that you can fit it in with your existing commitments. Unlike a traditional college (where you are required to attend lessons at set times) you will be able to study the theory element in your own time & in the privacy of your own home either online or via printed material through the post. Also your tutor will come out to visit you 3 times in your work setting. This will give you the opportunity to work with your tutor face to face which is a real benefit for anybody considering studying this home study course.
Please note: This course is textbook based, & therefore the lessons are not available to be viewed online. If you choose the online method of study with this course, you will be able to view your question papers & tutor feedback online.
What can I do on completion of the Early Years Educator course?
Once you have your Early Years Educator qualification you will have a full authorisation to practise as an Early Years Educator. You will be able to work in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors doing things like:
Nursery Nurse
Nursery Practitioner
Early Years Practitioner
Day Nursery Practitioner
Pre School Practitioner
Nursery Teacher
Early Years Teacher
Reception Class Teacher
Pre-School Assistant
Nursery Worker
Home based child carer
Nanny
Child-minder
" Qualified & experienced nursery workers can earn between £15, 000 & £22, 000, depending on responsibilities."
- Source: National Careers Service
How can I progress further with my studies?
On completion of your CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) qualification, which has been assigned 61 credits on the QCF framework (QRN: 601/2629/2), you will be able to progress onto a foundation degree/higher education.
Is there government funding available for doing this course?
Great news! If you study this course you have the option to either fund the course yourself privately, or we are able to offer you the course funded using a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan. Please click the “fees tab” for more information on how you can fund your course.