Early Years Educators Diploma (Online)

Course information

Early Years Educator CACHE Diploma

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.

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.

What You Will Learn

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

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.

Work Experience

350 hours throughout the duration of the course

Assessment

Assessment will be by a variety of methods, including written evidence and Assessor observation.

Progression

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.

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.

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Events

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
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Cornwall College St Austell

Open Event & Taster at St Austell Campus

• 8 Feb 25
• 8 May 25