Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce
This course prepares you for a career working with children from birth to 5 years, combining theoretical learning, practical skills, and workplace assessments to meet the Department for Education (DfE) criteria for early years education.
Course Overview
- Start Date
- 8 Sep 2025
- Duration
- 9 Months
- Mode of Study
- Part-Time
- Location
- Online
Course overview
This course prepares you for a career as an Early Years Educator, equipping you with the knowledge and skills needed to work with children from birth to 5 years, while also gaining an understanding of child development from ages 5 to 7.
Once you achieve this qualification, you will be fully qualified to work as an Early Years Educator in various settings. This course meets the Department for Education (DfE) criteria, ensuring you gain the industry-standard skills needed for employment in early years education.
What will I do?
To achieve the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma, you will complete 10 mandatory units covering key areas of early years education, including:
- Introduction to the Role of the Early Years Educator
- Holistic Child Development
- Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
- Effective Communication in an Early Years Setting
- Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements
- Health, Wellbeing, and Safety
- Promoting an Effective Early Years Curriculum
- Assessment of Children’s Learning and Development
- Understanding Play for Holistic Development and Learning
- Partnership Working
This qualification combines theory and practical experience, ensuring you meet the DfE Early Years Educator criteria and develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required in the sector. You will learn through a combination of classroom-based teaching, online study, and workplace observations.
What’s next?
Once you complete this course, you can progress into roles such as:
- Educator in Day Nurseries
- Educator in Nursery Schools
- Educator in Reception Classes in Primary Schools
- Pre-School Worker
- Further Education and Specialised Early Years Study
Is it for me?
This course is perfect for you if you work with children aged 0-5 years and want to develop your professional knowledge and practical skills. It is suitable if you:
- Have a passion for early years education and child development.
- Are considering a career change into childcare.
- Are already working in the sector and want to gain a formal qualification.
The theory part of the course is delivered both online and in the classroom, so you must have access to a computer, laptop, or tablet with an internet connection.
You will also need to complete a minimum of three workplace observations while carrying out your daily duties to assess your occupational competence.
Entry requirements
You must be 19 years or older.
It is recommended that you have GCSE Grade 4/C or Level 2 in English and Mathematics.
Course highlights
- Delivered through tutor-led workshops and online learning.
- Gain a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification in early years education.
- Engage in interactive online activities that challenge your thinking and put new skills into practice.
- Personal tutor support to help you succeed.
- Workplace observations to confirm your occupational competence.
- Meets the full DfE Early Years Educator criteria, ensuring you are job-ready.
How will my progress be monitored?
- You will complete and pass unit assessments at the end of each module.
- Three workplace observations will be carried out to assess your practical skills.
- A dedicated tutor will provide feedback and ongoing support.
How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed using a range of methods, including:
- Direct workplace observations
- Professional discussions
- Work-based products and a portfolio of evidence
How much will I have to study each week?
- Monthly evening workshops will be held once a month.
- You will need to complete weekly unit tasks as part of your independent study.
Work Experience
You must already be working in an early years setting, as workplace observations are a requirement of the course.
How can I pay for my course?
There are a variety of ways in which you can get help with fees and funding while studying. Get advice on applying for funding and assessing your eligibility for financial aid here.
This course attracts funding for eligible students, so please check with the admissions team about your own circumstances.
EXPLORE COURSES
Apply today
-
Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
(A765-1/1)- Start Date
- 8 Sep 2025
- End Date
- 2 Jul 2026
- Duration
- 9 Months
- Location
- Online
Fees- 19 – 23
- £2882
- 24+
- £2882
- Overseas
- £2882
Latest Stories & Events
Latest Stories & Events
-
MK College students take part in event with F1 team to learn about careers in motorsports
Read More -
Sports Opportunities at MK College
Read More -
A Level students campaign to support MK College
Read More -
Milton Keynes College hosts ‘Welcome Event’ for new cohort of students
Read More -
Milton Keynes College student achieves A in maths A Level in 7 months
Read More -
Milton Keynes College on hand to support young people with their GCSE results
Read More -
Milton Keynes College students secure excellent T Level results
Read More -
A Levels applications
Read More -
What is a T Level anyway?
Read More -
MK College at MK Can
Read More