Overview

The Early Years Workforce Ncfe Cache Level 3 Diploma

This qualification is to prepare learners to become confident Early years Educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5  and to gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years . This enables learners to work in the early years and in paediatrics.

  • Many employers (nurseries, schools, childcare settings) require Level 3 as a minimum.
  • It is a nationally recognised qualification in the UK.
  • It is part time, knowledge gained can be used to support own children and boosts your career prospects.
  • It also gives essential practical and theoretical skills which is
  • Opens doors to university and higher-level jobs.
  • Helps you become a confident, qualified childcare professional.

Ready to apply?

Course information

Need to know

Entry requirements

Essential: English

Desirable: Maths

 

The qualification gained

Cache Level 3 Diploma in Early Years.

 

Assessment methods

Written assignments and direct observation within the workplace/ voluntary placements.

Course content

You will study:

  • Unit 1: Introduction to the Role of the Early Years Educator
  • Unit 2: Holistic Child Development
  • Unit 3: Children with SEND
  • Unit 4: Effective Communication in an Early Years Setting
  • Unit 5: Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements.
  • Unit 6: Health, Wellbeing and Safety
  • Unit 7: Promoting an Effective Early Years Curriculum
  • Unit 8: Assessment of Children’s Learning and Development
  • Unit 9: Understanding Play for Learning and Holistic Development
  • Unit 10: Partnership Working

Skills gained

  • The ability to plan and lead activities that supports children’s learning and development.
  • The skill to observe and assess children’s learning.
  • The capability to support and prepare children for learning.
  • The confidence and ability to build and maintain professional relationships with children, parents and other professionals.
  • The responsibility to ensure the well-being and safety of children in their care.

Next steps

  • Cache Level 4 certificate
  • Early years educator, Nursery Manager, Nursery Practitioner, Nursery Nurse, pre-school worker and practitioner in reception classes in primary school and family support worker.
  • Early years roles: 18,000 –28,000 per year depending on location.

Additional information

Costs/Equipment 

Cache Level 3 Childcare book.

Available Courses
Central Bedfordshire College Dallow Road
Starts: 16/09/2026
Type: Part Time
Length: 34 weeks
Day(s): Thursday
Time(s): 9:15am - 11:45am
Apply now
Fees: £2,573.00

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. The Bedford College Group reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Part-Time Funding Information

Some courses may be free depending on the qualification and if you are unemployed and on a qualifying benefit.

Please contact our Customer Contact team on 0345 658 8990 to find out accurate fees information.

Additional Learning Support

If you have a specific learning difficulty or disability, are deaf or hearing impaired, our Additional Learning Support team are on hand to give you assistance whenever you need it. Email: ALSteam@bedford.ac.uk or call us on 01234 291333.

Financial Support

For information regarding financial support, please visit the Financial Support section to see the support you may be entitled to apply for.

Accessibility

We have access arrangements in place to help students with disabilities or any other particular needs. Call us on 01234 291000 or 01536 413123 for more information.

Any questions?

If you would like to find out more about this or other courses, please use our Livechat below, email info@bedfordcollegegroup.ac.uk or call us on 0345 658 8990.