Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Mode of study | Vocational Full-time |
Duration | 2 Years |
Campus | London Road Campus |
Start date | 6 September 2022 |
Course code | FLR3EYE (2224) |
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Who is it for?
This course prepares you to become Early Years Educators, enabling you to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5-7 yrs. After completion of the course you will be able to enter the workforce as an Early Years Educator or access Higher Education.
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Entry Requirements
You will need at least 5 academic GCSEs including English language and Maths at a grade 4 or above (plus science if going into teaching or a nursing profession), or a CACHE level 2 Diploma plus Functional Skills at level 2.
(Please note for progression onto university GCSEs will need to be obtained in Maths and English).
You will have a positive outlook to studying and a clear DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
Disclosure and Barring Service: The College is a registered body under the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and will enable students to apply for a Disclosure check. The College will ask for DBS registration for students on this course. If you are applying for a place you need to be aware that you should be willing to discuss previous convictions, reprimands, cautions or final warnings prior to enrolling on the course. This will allow us to provide you with appropriate information, advice and guidance on an individual basis.
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What does the course involve?
A career in an early years setting will suit you if you are caring, responsible, patient, calm, efficient, energetic and creative. This course will promote teaching and learning to ensure that you can support young children to be ready for school. You will learn the requirements that an early-year educator must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and keep them healthy and safe.
You will learn to give children a range of knowledge and skills to help them develop a foundation for good progress throughout their lives. You will be able to support young children aged from birth to five years in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Over the two years this course will cover:
- Child Development
- Play & Learning
- Child Health
- International Perspectives
- School Readiness.
The course involves 375 hours of placement each year consisting of two placement days and three days in college per week.
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How is the course assessed?
A range of assessment approaches. For example, you might be involved in producing an assessed portfolio, doing written assignments, or creating assessed visual work.
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Additional Notes
The progression route from the successful completion of this course would typically be into full-time employment either directly in a childcare setting or through an apprenticeship.
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Further Information
There will be work placements of a minimum of two days a week during your study
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What do I do next?
You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email admissions@scg.ac.uk

Sydney Halford
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Previous school: Shrewsbury Academy
"We would like to thank Sydney, our student placement, she has done an amazing job. The children have loved having her in class and the team have really appreciated her efforts. You will make a perfect early years practitioner Sydney, keep up the good work." Kids Planet Shrewsbury

Lauren Davies
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Previous school: MShrewsbury Academy
You get loads of placement and work experience opportunities on this course – with two days a week for the whole year. I do mine at Shrewsbury Cathedral Nursery. It is a very rewarding course and gives you a great head-start with your future career, with so many job options available once you’ve completed College. The teachers are helpful and supportive, with College and personal issues. I hope to go to university to get my PGCE so that I can eventually be a primary school teacher.
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