Advance Your Childcare Career with an Early Years Diploma
Take your skills to the next level with the Diploma in Children’s Learning and Development Level 3 (Early Years Educator) — a nationally recognised qualification for those already working in early years settings. This programme equips you to support children from birth to age 5, with insights into development up to age 7.
Whether your goal is to become a nursery nurse, childminder, or Early Years Educator, this work-based qualification combines practical learning in your workplace with optional online support.
✅ The Details
Qualification: Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)
Duration: 18 months + 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA)
Delivery: One-to-one in the workplace with optional online sessions
Start Date: Flexible enrolment — start anytime
Workplace support: Your designated assessor/trainer will visit your setting to monitor progress and support your portfolio development
Assessment: End Point Assessment (EPA) includes observation of practice and professional discussion
Tracking: Progress monitored via OneFile electronic portfolio system
✅ Who is it for?
• Early years practitioners seeking a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification
• Staff working with children aged 0–5 (development knowledge up to 7)
• Nursery nurses, childminders, or aspiring Early Years Educators
• Employers looking to upskill their staff in early years provision
✅ What you’ll learn
Core knowledge and skills include:
• Child development from conception to 7 years
• Safeguarding, protection, and welfare
• Equality, diversity and inclusion in early years settings
• Health and safety for babies and children
• Supporting daily care routines
• Promoting positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
• Observing and planning for children’s learning
• Promoting communication, language, and literacy
• Developing children’s physical and mathematical skills
• Creative and imaginative play
• Understanding early years practice theories
• Healthy lifestyles: hydration and nutrition
• Partnership working with parents and professionals
• Reflective professional development
This apprenticeship allows you to apply learning directly in your workplace while receiving expert guidance.
✅ Entry Requirements
• Experience working with children and planning activities
• Access to a workplace where your trainer can assess your work
• Commitment to study ~8 hours per week
• Level 2 (or equivalent) literacy and numeracy
• Access to a computer and internet
• Passion for working in early years
✅ Common job roles include:
• Nursery Nurse
• Early Years Educator
• Childminder
• Room Leader
• Teaching Assistant
✅ Progression Opportunities
After completing this Level 3 Apprenticeship, you could progress to:
• Leadership roles within early years settings
• Level 4 or 5 adult care leadership qualifications
• Specialisation in childcare management or educational programmes
✅ Costs
- This is a government-funded initiative: apprentices are not required to pay for their training. Employers with a wage bill of under £3 million may need to make a 5 % contribution towards training costs.
- The cost of this Apprenticeship is set at £7,000, with an employer contribution rate of £350 + VAT.
- Employers recruiting an Apprentice aged 16–21 years old, will be exempt from paying the employer contribution.
- If the Apprentice is aged 16–18 years old, employers will receive a £1,000 government incentive to be used towards training and salary costs.
Visit this page to find out more about employer costs and responsibilities.
✅ Ready to Apply?
Click here to visit the contact page and get in touch with a Focus Training centre near you.