Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) is a vocational qualification designed to prepare learners for professional practice as Early Years Educators working with children from birth to 5 years, while also developing knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years.

This qualification combines theoretical knowledge, professional practice, and workplace competence to ensure learners develop the skills, behaviours, and understanding required to support children’s learning, development, health, safety, and wellbeing in early years settings.

The programme meets the Department for Education (DfE) Early Years Educator criteria, enabling successful learners to work as qualified Early Years Educators and be counted within staff-to-child ratios in England. 

Qualification Details

• Level: Level 3

• Minimum Entry Age: 16 years

• Total Qualification Time (TQT): Approximately 950 hours

• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): Approximately 650 hours

• Credit Value: 95 credits

• Qualification Number: 610/4164/6

This qualification is recognised across England as a licence-to-practice qualification in the early years sector.

Aims and Objectives

The qualification aims to prepare learners to become competent Early Years Educators who can support children’s learning, development, care, and wellbeing in a variety of early years environments.

The key objectives include:

• Developing professional competence in early years practice.

• Understanding child development from birth to 7 years.

• Promoting safeguarding, health, wellbeing, and safety.

• Supporting inclusive learning and development.

• Developing effective communication and partnership-working skills.

• Preparing learners for employment as qualified Early Years Educators.

Overall, the programme equips learners with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours needed for effective early years practice.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

• Support holistic child development from birth to 7 years.

• Promote children’s learning through play-based practice.

• Safeguard and protect children in early years settings.

• Support children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

• Plan, observe, assess, and evaluate children’s development.

• Build effective partnerships with parents, carers, and professionals.

• Promote children’s health, wellbeing, and safety.

• Demonstrate reflective professional practice.

These outcomes prepare learners for independent practice in early years settings.

Course Duration

The qualification typically takes between 12 and 24 months to complete depending on study mode and workplace access.

Learning commitments generally include:

• Total Qualification Time: Approximately 950 hours

• Guided Learning Hours: Approximately 650 hours

• Mandatory work placement: Minimum 300 hours (350 hours recommended where possible)

• Portfolio development

• Practical observations

• Reflective practice activities

The course may be delivered through:

• Classroom-based learning

• Blended learning (online and face-to-face)

• Apprenticeship delivery

• Workplace-based assessment

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements include:

• Learners must be at least 16 years old.

• NCFE does not set formal academic entry requirements, although centres may set their own.

• Learners must complete mandatory workplace placement throughout the programme.

• Learners should have good communication skills and an interest in working with young children.

• To count in staff-to-child ratios, learners may need an approved Level 2 English qualification in line with DfE requirements.

Who is this Course for?

This qualification is suitable for individuals who want to work as qualified Early Years Educators.

It is particularly appropriate for:

• Nursery Practitioners

• Preschool Practitioners

• Early Years Assistants

• Reception Class Practitioners

• Childcare Professionals

• Learners progressing from Level 2 childcare qualifications

• Individuals seeking a licensed childcare qualification

Qualification Structure

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete all 10 mandatory units.

The qualification combines:

• Knowledge-based learning

• Practical workplace competence

• Professional reflection

• Child observations and assessments

Mandatory Units

1. Introduction to the Role of the Early Years Educator

2. Holistic Child Development

3. Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

4. Effective Communication in an Early Years Setting

5. Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements

6. Health, Wellbeing and Safety

7. Promoting an Effective Early Years Curriculum

8. Assessment of Children’s Learning and Development

9. Understanding Play for Holistic Development and Learning

10. Partnership Working

These are listed as the mandatory units in the official NCFE qualification specification.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is carried out through an internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence rather than formal examinations.

Common assessment methods include:

• Workplace observations

• Professional discussions

• Reflective accounts

• Written assignments

• Portfolio of evidence

• Child observations

• Practical demonstrations

• Assessor reviews

Career Progression & Pathways

After completing this qualification, learners may progress to further training or higher education.

Possible progression routes include:

• NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector

• Higher education programmes in Early Childhood Studies, Education, or Child Development

Career Opportunities

Successful learners may progress into roles such as:

• Early Years Educator

• Nursery Practitioner

• Preschool Practitioner

• Reception Class Practitioner

• Children’s Centre Practitioner

• Day Nursery Educator

• Early Years Support Practitioner

NCFE states learners may enter the workforce as qualified Early Years Educators upon successful completion. 

Salary Expectations

Salary levels depend on employer, region, and experience.

Typical salary ranges may include:

• Early Years Assistant: £20,000 – £25,000 per year

• Nursery Practitioner: £22,000 – £30,000 per year

• Early Years Educator: £24,000 – £35,000 per year

• Senior Early Years Practitioner: £30,000 – £40,000+ per year

Professionals who progress into leadership or specialist SEND roles may earn higher salaries.

Payment Options

Payment options vary depending on the training provider delivering the qualification.

Common options include:

• Full upfront payment

• Monthly instalment plans