Overview

This adult-only (19+) part-time course provides a recognised early years qualification for those working in, or aspiring to work in, childcare and early years education.

You may already be employed or volunteering as an early years assistant, nursery assistant, early years educator or special educational needs assistant. If you are looking to begin a career in an early years setting such as a day nursery or primary school foundation stage, this course will support your progression.

On successful completion, you will achieve the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator).

Do not worry if you have been away from education for a while. Our experienced tutors understand the needs of adult learners and will support you at every stage. You will study in small classes with other adults who share your passion for working with children.

What will I study?

Health and well-being
Legislation, frameworks and professional practice
Play, development and learning for school readiness
Professional development.

Start date, attendance and fee

Start date - There are two intakes for this course during an academic year, please contact the college for the specific dates on 0808 100 3626.
Attendance - TBC
Fee - Free*/£4,670

Don’t let paying for the course hold you back from achieving your goals.

If you are aged 19-23 (as of 31 August 2025) and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.

You can also split the cost of this course over four instalments. If you wish to pay in instalments, you will be required to pay 25% (£1,167.50) of the total fee on the day of enrolment and a Direct Debit mandate would then to be completed to enable the college to collect further three bi-monthly payments of £1,167.50. The payments will be taken on the date you choose on the Direct Debit mandate form.

Please contact the college’s finance department for further details on 0808 100 3626.

Adult learning support and guidance

Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.
Visit our adult support page

Entry requirements
This course is only available to adults aged 19+.
- Completion of the Teaching Assistant and Early Years Educator - Fast Track to Level 3 induction course and a satisfactory DBS check if you're not currently in employment within an early years or foundation stage classroom environment including a day nursery setting.
- Or you're already employed within an early years or foundation stage classroom environment working with children.
- GCSE English and maths at grade 4-9/A*-C (or equivalent), if you don't have these qualifications you can take functional skills alongside this course.
Assessment
You will be assessed through coursework, one-to-one reviews and observation of practice within the early years sector.
Progression
Upon achievement of this qualification you will gain a licence to practise and it is intended that you will be able to enter a workplace as an early years educator.
You can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:
- Management and leadership positions within the early years sector
- Early years educator in nursery schools
- Early years educator in reception classes in primary schools
- Progression to higher education* including HND Early Years Professional Leadership for England or Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprenticeship.
*As we are a partner college of Nottingham Trent University (NTU), you may qualify for various benefits should you choose to apply to NTU after completing your college course. This could include a Progress NTU offer, where you would receive an offer one grade below their standard offer. For instance, a typical offer for one of their courses might require 128 UCAS tariff points. With Progress NTU, your requirements would be 120 UCAS tariff points. For further details, please call us on 0808 100 3626 or discover more about this benefit on the NTU website.
Careers
Studying Education and Early Years at West Notts College
Visit our education and early years subject area to explore the full range of courses available.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the Website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.