TQUK Level 3 Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator) (RQF)

• Explain theories of child learning and development.
• Analyse influence of development theories on educational practices.
• Describe expected developmental patterns from birth to seven years.
• Identify and support individual children’s needs and interests.
• Plan and implement activities promoting holistic child development.
• Evaluate and reflect on your role in child development.

OFQUAL

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department that regulates qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet national standards, so you can trust that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high quality and widely recognised by employers and universities.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.

• Access Duration: 365 Days 
• Credit Value: 62
• Guided Learning Hours: 367
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 620
• Qualification Level: 3 

• The course is suitable for those aged 16 and above.
• A minimum of GCSE or Level 2 in literacy and numeracy.
• Work placement is a requirement (A nursery is suitable). Work placement is required throughout the qualification. The real work environment must encompass the age range from birth to 5 years.
• Learners already working in the children’s workforce will be able to use their ongoing work environment experience to achieve the skills and competencies required.

This course benefits a wide range of learners and career positions in the early years’ education and childcare sectors.

• Early Years Educator
• Nursery Practitioner
• Early Years Practitioner
• Preschool Teacher
• Early Years Teaching Assistant

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (9-12 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (6 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 3 Diploma requires approximately 367 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

After completing the Level 3 Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator) – RQF, you can proceed to a Foundation Degree. You also have the option of progressing to a degree programme or a postgraduate qualification.

A possible next step of Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 1: Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
• Step 2: Bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies or education studies
• Step 3: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Step 4: Master’s degree in education (optional)

Alternative additional qualifications you can progress to;

• Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (Early Years Pathway)

Your Pathway to Supporting the Next Generation

The Level 3 Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator) – RQF opens up rewarding career opportunities in early years education and childcare. This qualification equips you with essential skills to support the development and learning of young children. Early Years Educators and Teachers are in high demand, enabling certified individuals to land well-paying jobs with attractive benefits.  

You can have a career working with children or earn as a self-employed carer, whilst looking after your own family. You will be able to work in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors as a: 

• Nursery nurse 
• Nursery practitioner 
• Early years’ educator, teacher or practitioner 
• Pre-school or day nursery practitioner or assistant 
• Nursery worker 
• Teaching Assistant  
• Preschool Teacher 
• Home-based child-carer 
• Nanny 
• Child-minder 
• Childcare Worker  

With further training and experience, you can advance to senior positions and specialised roles in the field. 

• From day one, we go above and beyond to help you succeed in your studies. The most valuable resource available to all our students is their tutor. When you enrol in this course, you are assigned a personal tutor with in-depth knowledge and experience in your chosen subject.
• Your assessment will be marked by your personal tutor, who will provide detailed feedback during your formative submissions. In addition to this, your tutor will offer pointers and advice on where you can improve. This guidance helps you get the most from your courses and continually enhance your skills.
• Our dedicated student support team is also readily available to provide advice and guidance, helping you navigate your course materials and resolve any queries. With just one click, you can trust that assistance is always there when you need it.