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Part Time
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2 Years
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Online
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September 2025
Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Diploma Level 3
Add to ShortlistThe Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Diploma Level 3 is a comprehensive qualification designed to provide learners with an in-depth understanding of the skills and knowledge required to become a qualified Early Years Educator. This qualification enables you to work effectively with children aged 0-5 years, ensuring you are well-prepared to support their early development in a professional setting.
The course covers all aspects of the Early Years Educator role, including promoting children’s health and wellbeing, creating safe, nurturing environments, and understanding the importance of legislation and frameworks in early childhood education. You will also learn to engage in professional practice, working collaboratively with other staff and families. A key focus of the program is to equip you with the tools to support children’s play, development, and learning, helping them achieve school readiness. This qualification provides a strong foundation for a rewarding career in the early years sector, with opportunities for further professional development.
What will I do?
During the course, you will attend workshops delivered by industry trained staff which will enable you to carry out the written work to complete your qualification. The course comprises of 23 mandatory units, and you must also complete mandatory paediatric first aid.
You will also undertake volunteering or a work placement in an Early Years setting (working with children aged 0-8 years) alongside your studies at the College.
In addition to your course, you may also study either GCSE or Functional Skills English and Maths, dependent on your current GCSE grade.
Entry Qualifications
To study the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Diploma Level 3, you will need to have GCSEs in English and Maths or Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2. You will also need a minimum of 6 months work experience or volunteering in an Early Years setting.
Attendance
The Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Diploma Level 3 will take you 2 years to complete. You will attend college for a course induction with your tutor from 4:30pm-8:00pm at our Rochford Campus in Boston. Following this, you will attend online workshops from 5:00pm-8:00pm once per month on Wednesdays. You will also attend your volunteering or work placement for 10-16 hours per week.
Fees
The Level 3 Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Diploma will cost £2882.
You may be eligible to study this course for FREE should you be eligible under one of the following criteria:
- Aged 19 or over, and earning less than £20,319
- Aged 19 or over, and currently unemployed and receiving JSA, ESA or Universal Credit
- Aged 19 or over and do not currently hold a Level 3 qualification
Alternatively, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with your College fees. If you progress to employment you won't have to pay anything back until you’re earning £25,000 per year. Your household income isn't taken into account and there's no credit check. Your eligibility depends on your course, nationality, and age. To find out more contact the College Information Line on 01205 313218.
Please note that all fees are subject to change.
How Will I Be Assessed
You will be assessed via practical assessments and course work, including placement observations and written assessments.
Where Could It Lead?
Upon completing Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Diploma Level 3, you will have several exciting progression opportunities available to you. You could choose to further your studies with a Foundation Degree in early childhood education, enhancing your knowledge and qualifications. Alternatively, you might progress into a Room Leader or Nursery Manager role, taking on greater responsibility in managing early years settings. Another option is pursuing a career as a Teacher, continuing your journey in education with a focus on early years or primary teaching.
To explore University Level courses available at Boston College, visit our University Level page.
How to Apply.
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