Early Years Educator CACHE Diploma

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LOCATION & START DATE
Cornwall College St Austell - 9 September 2025
Cornwall College Camborne - 10 September 2025
LEVEL
Level 3 Levels Explained
DURATION
2 years
LEARNING AREA
Children, Schools & Families Find out more
ATTENDANCE
Part-time

Course information

Childcare Courses This course is designed to meet the needs of motivated, enthusiastic people interested in a career working with children or who wish to progress on to university.

This nationally recognised Level 3 course leads to the achievement of Early Years Educator status, recommended by the Department for Education (DfE) as the full and relevant qualification required to undertake such roles as working with children under 5 as a Keyworker in a Nursery or Early Years Foundation Stage setting or as a Teaching Assistant in a Reception class in Primary schools.

It is a ‘gateway’ qualification for many other careers within the Children’s Workforce such as Portage Worker, Family Support Worker, SENCO or Children’s Health Support worker.  Those who wish to continue into Higher Education will gain UCAS points which will enable them to progress into careers such as Early Years or Primary Teacher, Social Worker, Speech & Language Therapist or Play Therapist among others.

We have past students who are now in management and leadership roles working in a range of employment positions and provisions including Nursery, Pre School and Primary School settings throughout Devon and Cornwall. We aim to set high standards in our teaching in order to ensure that our students when they qualify are striving for outstanding practice in their work settings. We have trained whole staff teams at levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 in settings which, as a result of their excellent practice have been graded by Ofsted as Outstanding.

Learners will enjoy a variety of innovative teaching approaches and study a diverse range of subjects which are delivered within Core themes which include: Children’s Health and well-being, Legislation, Play, Development and learning for school readiness, and Professional development.

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and/or Maths, or successful completion of a relevant Level 2 qualification.
• Functional Skills Level 2 in English and/or Maths will be considered as alternatives to GCSE, but a GCSE resit may be required depending on grade.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and maths and/or English at GCSE Grade 4 or Functional Skills Level 2.

To have achieved GCSE grade C in English and maths before you start the course, but you could study these alongside the Level 3. Throughout the course you will need to be either employed or be volunteering in an early years setting for at least two half days or one full day each week.

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.


Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne


Find out more about our Camborne campus


Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.


Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne


Find out more about our St Austell campus


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Course type 16-19 Adult
16-18 Tuition fees: £0
If you’re aged 16-18 when you begin your course, you will usually be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support section.
Financial support for School Leavers
Tuition Fees: £2882.00
If you are aged 19+, the cost of the course will depend on your circumstances. Detailed information can be found in our Financial Support Section.
Financial support for ages 19+
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Course Code 12527-STA-25, 11626-CAM-25

Courses listed on this website are indicative of the subject, nature and level of study. The College reserves the right to alter specific qualifications titles, awarding bodies and levels of qualification, which can change in year. Any cost may also vary, based on personal funding eligibility. The Cornwall College Group reserves the right to withdraw any course listed at any time.

Early Years Educator CACHE Diploma Level 3 Cornwall College CamborneCornwall College St Austell https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Childcare_CC_STAC_AshVisuals_TCCG_20222022_0017.jpg Earlyyears, Education
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