Key Facts

Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)

The CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, providing them with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to work with children from birth to 5 years and further knowledge of children aged 5-7 years. This qualification provides a Department for Education (DfE) full and relevant licence to practice as an Early Years Educator in a variety of settings.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence- based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

    4 x GCSE's at C/4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above, at Merit or above, in a relevant subject. Including English and maths GSCE at C/4 or above or Functional skills Level 2 in English and maths.

    A DBS (police) disclosure is required for this course.

    We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    Units include; Professional partnerships in early years Preparing for school readiness Supporting emergent literacy Supporting emergent mathematics International perspectives Reflective practice for professional development *Professional practice portfolio

  • Progression Next Steps


    Upon achievement of this qualification it is intended that learners will be able to progress to higher education or enter the workforce as Early Years Educators. The Diploma qualification confers the licence to practice as an Early Years Educator. Learners can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:
    Practitioner in day nurseries
    Practitioner in nursery schools
    Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
    Pre-school worker

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    Duration and Delivery: 1 Year Three days per week in college, two days on placement

  • Assessment Details


    In order to achieve the Level 3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education learners must achieve a pass grade D or above for all internally assessed mandatory units of the course. Learners must also achieve a pass grade D or above for the external assessment (externally set, externally assessed). In addition to knowledge-based criteria, learners must pass all the practical assessment criteria for each age range, requiring a substantial number of work placement hours throughout the duration of the course in appropriate early years settings.