Childcare Award Entry Level 3

Quick facts

Is it for me?

If you are interested in developing the skills and knowledge needed to care for young children, this qualification will stimulate and encourage you to progress further in your chosen career pathway. 
The course is aimed at a range of learners, including young people needing to develop life skills, as well as those who are thinking of working in childcare. 
Alongside this course, you will also be studying to achieve your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, as this a necessary requirement of working in an Early Years setting. 
Over the duration of the course, you will be fully supported in preparing for your next steps - either in training or moving towards the world of work. There will also be an opportunity for you to undertake work experience to develop the skills that you'll learn on the course.

What you'll learn

You will learn the fundamentals needed for progression onto to our Level 1 programme, and a career in the Early Years sector..

Assessment

Portfolio of evidence.

Further study

• Level 1 Caring for Children
• Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Diploma 
• Children and Young People's Workforce Level 2 Diploma 
• T Level in Education and Childcare Level 3 
• T Level in Education and Assistant Teaching Level 3 
• Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Level 3 Diploma 
• Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

Example careers

• Early Years Teacher
• Education Consultant 
• Family Support Worker
• Education Mental Health Practitioner 
• Health Play Specialist
• Learning Mentor 
• Play Therapist
• Primary School Teacher 
• Social Worker
• Special Educational Needs Teacher 
• Teaching Assistant
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) 
• Youth Worker
• Children's Nurse 
• Speech Therapist
• Community Worker

Days & times

Starting September 2026