

Early years educator diploma
This programme is designed to create outstanding early years educators. It's the ideal programme for those who are working with young children during their early years development. You will gain the skills and knowledge required to raise the quality of care and support in their settings.

At a glance
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LevelLevel 3
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Duration9 months
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Location Liverpool City Region, West Midlands, Tees Valley
About the course
About the course:Please note this course is available in Liverpool City Region, Greater Manchester, West Midlands and West Yorkshire due to funding. We also offer an equivalent apprenticeship with is available throughout England.
The level 3 diploma for the children’s workforce (early years educator) will help you to gain the essential skills so that you can make a positive difference to the lives of children.
We will develop your knowledge of early years so that you are able to support individuals in their early stages of development and through their first steps for a future successful life in developing key skills. The programme focuses on the early years foundation stage (EYFS) and the fundamental principles.
During the diploma, you’ll receive frequent teaching sessions (or remote visits) as well as being able to join remote webinars, complete the paediatric first aid course and independent tasks.
Your trainer will meet with you every month for a teaching and learning session and be on hand at all times so that you get the very best support when you need it.
All applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check with their employer as part of our safe recruitment process.
What you’ll learn
You’ll develop a range of essential early years skills and behaviours that employers want and value in the sector so that you’re skilled and able to make a positive difference to the lives of children.
Key learning topics covered during the diploma include:
- Key worker responsibility
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Safeguarding
- Child development
- Theories and approaches on how children learn and develop
- Legal requirements including health & safety
Is this course right for you?
Our flexible and blended approach to training means that activities can be scheduled around needs. All learning is either on a 1-2-1 basis or small group webinars which can be accessed anywhere with an internet connection.
Throughout the programme we will meet with you to ensure you understand your programme, to report on your development and progress as well as making sure your programme requirements are being met.
How you’ll learn
Our sector expert staff will support you to achieve the diploma.
We have highly skilled and knowledgeable trainers with significant experience of working in the industry who will be able to support you in your journey.
We deliver the programme throughout the year providing you with the flexibility to start the diploma when it meets your needs. All learning is either on a 1-2-1 basis or small group webinars so you have the best experience possible with sector experts.
Our delivery model includes:
- 1-2-1 sessions with your tutor
- Professional webinars with the likes of Anna Ephgrave, Kym Scott, The Curiosity Approach and Laura Henry-Allain
- Remote support
- Independent learning
- Ongoing mentoring, coaching, advice and guidance
- Specialist English/maths support (if needed)
- Impartial Information, Advice & Guidance
- TQUK Level 3 Diploma for the Children’s Workforce (Early Years Educator)
- Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid Course or Emergency First Aid
Learner Loans
If you are not residing in a region with available funding, you may want to consider applying for a Learner Loan. For further details on Learner Loans, please visit our webpage.
My apprenticeship has been pivotal in developing my knowledge of early years. Realise’s course was exceptional.


Thanks to the support I received from Realise, I now truly believe my disability is not an inability.


If you enjoy practical learning then an apprenticeship is for you. It gives you so many opportunities to enhance your career.


Family First would recommend Realise as they understand the needs of a growing organisation and tailor the approach accordingly.



The people that make it happen


Trainer assessor
I am a qualified trainer assessor for childcare. My experience is within early years settings, where I was a nursery manager, room leader and deputy. My experience, gained in the last 25 years, has given me the passion and commitment to give something back and be that trainer for my specialist subjects.
I have come a long way in my current role, my confidence has grown with Realise, I am delivering many webinars across the early years educator and teaching assistant standards. I always look forward to seeing my learners going into gateway and achieving their apprenticeships which makes me feel like a very proud trainer when they do.


Trainer assessor
I am a Childcare Trainer with over 22 years experience in Childcare. I have had varied roles and experience including; working in a school, private day nursery, special educational needs support and Children’s & Young People’s Services before becoming an Assessor. I have been assessing for 12 years, I specialise as a Safeguarding Deputy.


Trainer assessor
I’m a qualified childcare trainer who has 10 years’ experience within the industry. I have a degree in childhood studies and I spent three years prior to that working in a nursery working my way up from nursery nurse to deputy manager before making the leap into education – where I’ve never looked back. I love supporting others to achieve their goals within childcare.


Curriculum lead
I am a passionate and motivated trainer who loves to help others become the best that they can be. I am a qualified teacher and have worked in all aspects of the childcare sector from being a nanny to nursery settings. I love developing curriculum and supporting learning as part of my job role!


Trainer assessor
I am into my 13th year as a Trainer Assessor, i have experience of managing 2 private day nurseries and have a lot f passion for childcare. I want to be able to share that passion with apprentices and help to teach and guide them into being .competent practitioners. I am also a qualified Paediatric First Aid trainer and deliver this alongside the standard qualifications.


Training & development officer
I have 19 years’ experience in passenger transport as a driver, mentor, supervisor and trainer. I have worked for Realise as a trainer since January 2020. My role gives me great opportunities to share the knowledge and skills that I have developed over the last 19 years in passenger transport. Working with and supporting new and established drivers to give them the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to become a professional driver in the bus industry.

FAQs
The level 3 early years qualification is a diploma course is designed to create outstanding early years educators. It’s the ideal programme for those working with young children during their early years development.
With a level 3 in early years, you could be an early years educator, nursery nurse or childminder. But most importantly, you’ll be a highly trained individual in your setting who plays a role in ensuring that young children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. You could work in a full day care, children’s centres, pre schools, reception classes or a childminders.
Typically, this level 3 early years course will take 9 months to complete.
Typically, a level 3 early years learner will already be qualified at level 2, have an element of responsibility for the wellbeing and safety of children and working in roles such as an early years educator, childminder or nursery nurse.
To work in a nursery, you do not require a degree. You can become an apprentice without a degree. In fact, many people prefer the apprenticeship route to university as it offers the chance to learn on the job and earn a wage.

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