# Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)

> Start your career in early childhood education with a nationally recognised qualification designed to develop your skills in supporting young children’s learning and development. This Level 3 diploma provides the practical knowledge and professional understanding required to work effectively in childcare and early years settings. Build solid foundations for progression into higher-level study or employment in the early years sector.

- Course page: https://upskilluni.com/courses/qualifi-level-3-diploma-in-early-years-education-and-care-early-years-educator/686
- Provider: [LCFT Business School](https://upskilluni.com/providers/lcft-business-school)
- Price: £529 (was £715), buy online
- Study method: Online
- Duration: 12 months · Self-paced
- Level: Intermediate
- Qualification: Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) (QAN 610/0013/6)
- Includes: tutor support, certificate, finance options
- Subjects: [Teaching & Childcare](https://upskilluni.com/courses/teaching-and-childcare), [Early Years](https://upskilluni.com/courses/early-years)
- Last updated: 2026-11-11

## Description

**Start strong in early childhood education with skills that make a real impact.**

The Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) empowers learners to work effectively with children from birth to 5 years, while also developing an understanding of children aged 5 to 7 years. With a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 830 hours and 525 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), this programme offers a well-structured pathway to gaining both practical and theoretical expertise. Learners strengthen their ability to support early development while building essential professional skills.

This nationally recognised qualification is designed for individuals looking to start or advance a career in childcare and early education. Carrying 83 credit hours, the course equips learners with the knowledge and confidence to create safe, engaging, and nurturing environments. It also encourages both academic growth and professional development, helping learners unlock their full potential while contributing meaningfully to early years settings.

Throughout the course, learners develop key competencies in safeguarding, inclusive practice, and supporting children’s emotional, social, and physical development. Special focus areas include promoting healthy lifestyles and understanding special educational needs, including autism. This Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care ensures learners gain relevant, modern skills that align with industry expectations and enhance career opportunities.

Recognised by Qualifi, a respected UK awarding organisation, this diploma prepares learners to work effectively in nurseries, preschools, and childcare centres and provides a strong foundation for further study or career progression within the early years education sector. This qualification is **awarded by Qualifi, an Ofqual-regulated awarding body, and is not listed on the DfE Early Years Qualifications List (EYQL)**. For any queries regarding EYQL recognition, learners may contact the awarding body directly.

**Course Details**

The Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) comprises 15 mandatory units with a combined total of 83 credits, Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 830 hours and 525 Guided Learning Hours (GLH). All units and evidence of RWE must be completed to receive the Diploma.

**Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 610/0013/6**

**Unit Reference** **Mandatory Units** **Level** **Credits** **GLH** **TQT** 1.L/650/0038 Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through food, nutrition and exercise 2 4 22 40 2.M/650/0039 Supporting physical care routines for children and for unwell children 2 4 24 40 3.Y/650/0040 Promoting children’s emotional well-being, social and emotional development 3 7 45 70 4.A/650/0041 Understanding the needs of the mother and baby pre-conception, during pregnancy and the first year of life 3 3 15 30 5.K/650/0046 The role of the Early Years practitioner 2 2 10 20 6. L/650/0047 Legislation relating to Early Years practice 3 9 60 90 7.M/650/0048 Working in partnership 3 3 20 30 8.R/650/0049 Supporting children through play in Early Years 3 14 90 140 9. A/650/0050 Developing the literacy, mathematical and communication skills of children 3 10 70 100 10.D/650/0051 Understand the needs of the child in preparing for school 3 2 12 20 11.F/650/0052 Understanding children’s cognitive development 2 5 30 50 12.H/650/0053 Promoting the physical development of children 3 4 25 40 13.J/650/0054 Supporting children with additional needs 3 4 25 40 14.K/650/0055 Using studies and tools to promote the development of children 3 10 65 100 15.L/650/0056 Professional development for Early Years Educators 3 2 12 20 **Totals** 83 525 830**Accreditation**

The Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) is accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Each unit has its own RQF code, and the full course carries the Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 610/0013/6, shown on the final certificate.

Qualifi is a UK awarding organisation approved and regulated by Ofqual (RN5160), ensuring high standards and quality in vocational education. LCFT Business School offers this regulated qualification, giving learners a trusted pathway into early years education.

**Assessment**

This qualification assesses both knowledge and competence, so learners must be working or on placement in a school. Competence can be shown through observations, reflective accounts, work products, professional discussions, and activity records. Mature or part-time learners may also use relevant work experience. Each unit includes assignments based on the required Learning Outcomes (LOs) and Assessment Criteria (ACs), and tasks are designed to reflect real responsibilities in school settings.

All units are internally assessed by LCFT Business School and externally verified by Qualifi. The qualification is criterion-referenced, meaning learners must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria to achieve a pass. Assessors review each submission to confirm that learners have met the required standards and demonstrated the skills needed to support teaching and learning effectively.

## Curriculum

- Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through food, nutrition and exercise
- Supporting physical care routines for children and for unwell children
- Promoting children’s emotional well-being, social and emotional development
- Understanding the needs of the mother and baby pre-conception, during pregnancy and the first year of life
- The role of the Early Years practitioner
- Legislation relating to Early Years practice
- Working in partnership
- Supporting children through play in Early Years
- Developing the literacy, mathematical and communication skills of children
- Understand the needs of the child in preparing for school
- Understanding children’s cognitive development
- Promoting the physical development of children
- Supporting children with additional needs
- Using studies and tools to promote the development of children
- Professional development for Early Years Educators
- 83

## Who is this course for?

The Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)  is perfect for anyone starting or growing a career in childcare. It helps you build the skills needed to work as a nursery practitioner, pre-school worker, reception class assistant, or nanny. This course is ideal for working in day nurseries, nursery schools, and primary schools, while gaining a recognised qualification to improve job opportunities. Career Progression Completing the Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) will allow learners to progress to: QUALIFI Level 4 qualifications. directly into employment in an associated profession.

## Entry requirements

To enrol in this qualification, learners must meet the following entry requirements: A Level 2 qualification and/or relevant work experience in childcare or early education, demonstrating clear career goals. Alternatively, a Level 3 qualification in another discipline with a desire to progress into early years education. Learners must be 16 years or older at the start of the course. A good understanding of ICT and basic digital skills. English language proficiency for non-native speakers (evidence of competency may be required*). Sufficient academic capability to meet the course’s learning and assessment standards. Learners must be employed or volunteering in a childcare or early years setting to complete the required practical observations and demonstrate real-world teaching practice. Note: Please ensure you meet all entry requirements before purchasing this qualification. For full details, click here to review the complete entry guidelines. *Learners from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English language competency. Visit Language Expectations for more information.

## Certificates

Upon completing the Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator), learners receive an Ofqual-Regulated Certificate (Hardcopy) from Qualifi Ltd, an Ofqual-Regulated Awarding Organisation. The standard certificate and transcript are included in the course fee and sent via regular post (local or international). For faster delivery, learners can choose a courier service (DHL) for an additional £40 for international shipping. This option is optional and offered for convenience, as standard post typically takes 3–4 weeks.

## Career path

Graduates can progress to Qualifi Level 4 qualifications or enter employment as nursery practitioners, pre-school workers, reception class assistants, or nannies in day nurseries and primary schools.

## Funding

Pay Full Fee: £529; 6 Month Instalment: £570, deposit £200, then £61.6 per instalment; 8 Month Instalment: £570, deposit £200, then £46.25 per instalment; 10 Month Instalment: –