Level 3 Childcare - Become A Professionally Recognised Early Years Educator
Take your childcare career to the next level and become a qualified Early Years Educator faster than ever before! With our exclusive fast-track Level 3 Childcare EYE apprenticeship, you can complete your training in just 52 weeks plus end-point assessment (EPA).
We’re proud to be the only training provider offering this accelerated option, allowing you to gain your qualification quickly and efficiently while continuing to work in your current childcare role.
What Does Understanding of the World, EYFS, Cover?
Understanding of the world, EYFS, is one of the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, and covers three main strands: people and communities, the natural world, and technology, each helping children make sense of the environment and society around them
This Level 3 childcare course, whether you take the standard course or the fast-track option, is perfect if you already carry out regular child observations and deliver planned activities for children under 5. You’ll learn how to promote children’s physical, emotional, and social development while building on the experience you’ve gained in a childcare setting.
Don’t wait – progress your career, give back more to the children you care for, and work towards that well-deserved pay rise with our regular or fast-track Level 3 Childcare course.
*Limited Government Funding Available. Submit the form while funding lasts!
Level 3 Childcare: Parenta Learner Testimonials
"I would not of been successful without the support of my tutor."
"I personally found the service incredible I would not of been successful without the support of my tutor. She gave me the information in a way I could process and remember what I needed. I owe her so much for being so incredibly patient with me and always lots of support to build my confidence up. Thank you."
Fay M. - Received 18th August
"I felt 100% supported throughout my whole Level 3"
“Amazing!!! My tutor has helped me and supported me more than I could ever imagine. I have had the best experience with Parenta and my tutor. I felt 100% supported throughout my whole Level 3. Thank you so much for everything I couldn’t have done it without her and the support she has given.”
Amy L. - Received 2nd August
"My tutor was extremely kind and supportive..."
“My tutor was extremely kind and supportive and was able to push my work ahead in order for me to finish my course before my setting broke up for the summer. I am very grateful for her support.”
Robyn D. - Received 2nd August
About The Level 3 EYE Apprenticeship Standard
Regular Level 3 Childcare Course
- This course requires a significant time commitment, up to 18 months in total for full-time participants and up to 33 months for those working part-time.
- Entry Requirements:
- 1. Currently working in a role that follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework
- 2. Regularly conducting child observations and delivering planned activities for children under 5 years old
- 3. Seeking to enhance skills in promoting children's physical, emotional, and social development
- Course Breakdown
- The course is divided into two main parts:
- Part 1: Main Course Content
- 15 months for full-time participants; up to 30 months for part-time participants.
- Development of skills, knowledge, and behaviours throughout the apprenticeship.
- Completion Requirements:
- A FULL and relevant Level 3 Standard qualification
- Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification
- Part 2: Gateway and End Point Assessment
- 3 months
- A 50-minute in-person obervation whilst they are in ratio, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session
- A Professional Discussion around the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have developed during the apprenticeship, which we practice with them in Gateway!
- As part of the Level 3 childcare course, apprentices will benefit from phone and email support from their Parenta tutor if there's anything at all they need help with.
Fast-Track Level 3 Childcare Course
We're so excited to offer this accelerated path! Enabling practitioners just like you, the opportunity to become fully qualified even faster - 52 weeks plus EPA - GUARANTEED.
Entry Requirements:
1. Employer must be present during any learner(s) onboarding call.
2. Employers must attend every review.
3. Learners must have an established group of Key Children practice (circa 3 months of OPA observation, assessment and planning).
4. Learners must commit to attending one live teaching session per theme.
5. To complete the fast-track level 3 childcare course in the accelerated timeframe, learners will be required to complete extra off-the-job hours every week.
Course Breakdown
The course is divided into two main parts:
Part 1: Main Course Content
- 52 weeks of intensive training
- Accelerated development of skills, knowledge, and behaviours specific to the role of an Early Years Educator.
Completion Requirements:
- Learners must consistently complete weekly assignments and participate in online coursework.
- Attendance at one live teaching session per theme is mandatory to cover all essential topics.
Part 2: Gateway and End Point Assessment
- 3 months
- A 50-minute in-person obervation whilst they are in ratio, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session
- A Professional Discussion around the knowledge, skills and behaviours they have developed during the apprenticeship, which we practice with them in Gateway!
Functional Skills - Risks and Implications Of Opting Out
It's strongly recommended that you take Functional Skills exams if you have not achieved GCSEs in English and maths - and include this during your apprenticeship, as it’s fully funded.
Opting out of functional skills is an option if you are aged 19 or over. However, it could limit your role in an early years setting, as you may not count towards staff-to-child ratios without a recognised Level 2 English qualification.
This may also impact your career progression as many employers and industry bodies require these core skills.
Managers appointed on or after 4 January 2024 must hold a Level 2 Maths qualification or achieve one within two years of starting their position. Additionally, your setting may face staffing challenges, and your employer is responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.
Level 3 Childcare - More Information
What Would Completing The Level 3 Childcare Course Mean For You?
Professional Achievement
At the end of your Level 3 Childcare course, you will be a professionally recognised Early Years Educator!
Career Development
Better career opportunities are available to you as an early years educator.
Earning Potential
With higher qualifications that are recognised by Ofsted, your earning potential could increase as a fully qualified early years educator.
Why Choose Parenta For Your Training Needs?
Doing an apprenticeship with Parenta means you get so much more! You get…
- Your own skills coach to support you every step of the way.
- FREE access to Maths and English teachers to support you (if required).
- FREE resources to support you in your role!
- FREE monthly webinars
- FREE 40-page monthly magazine
- £100 referral incentive for every successful referral to Parenta
Do It Now Or Miss Out!
What Does Ofsted Say About Parenta Training?
Learn from childcare experts and tutors "that have extensive and current vocational knowledge."
Parenta tutors help expand your knowledge and understanding by delivering "well-planned and carefully structured lessons."
We Believe In Early Years Education
We believe in accessible childcare for everyone, at every level, and we’re here to make it easier for you.
Whether it's helping you to find a position within a childcare setting, preparing for an interview and starting your training programme, or climbing that career ladder, taking on that room leader or management position, we’re here for you!
With our childcare training courses, you don’t have to go to college because all of our classes are virtual. You’ll also have the full support of a personal tutor whilst you train.
Level 3 Childcare Course: Handy Guides Written For You
Level 3 Childcare Frequently Asked Questions
In your apprenticeship, you'll have a dedicated skills coach and tutor, regular reviews with your employer and tutor, free access to Maths and English teachers if needed, free CPD training, free monthly webinars, and free access to over 3,000 early years blogs.
Many Level 3 Early Years Educators progress to a Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner apprenticeship, or pursue a Foundation Degree, opening further leadership and management opportunities in early years settings.
A Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification opens the door to roles such as Key Worker, Room Leader, Supervisor, Deputy Manager or Manager, since you'll be professionally recognised and able to work unsupervised in ratio.
There are no college classrooms to attend. Parenta provides online teaching sessions, whether individual, group or in person, and your tutor visits your setting to observe you and support your progress toward the EPA.
Level 3 Learning is delivered across three themes over 15 months: Health, Safety and Wellbeing (months 1-5), Child Development including pedagogy and reflective practice (months 6-11), and Positive Environments covering SEND, cultural capital and equality, diversity and inclusion (months 12-15).
Yes. To enter Gateway (EPA preparation) for the Level 3 Early Years Educator standard, you must hold a valid Level 3 Paediatric First Aid qualification, alongside having demonstrated the required knowledge, skills and behaviours from the Standard.
The EPA consists of a 50-minute in-person observation of you working in ratio, followed by a 30-minute Q&A, plus a professional discussion covering the knowledge, skills and behaviours you've developed. You have 3 months after Gateway to complete it, with mock assessments provided beforehand.
A funded childcare apprenticeship is completely free for your employer if you are aged 16 - 24. If you are 25 or over, your employer pays just 5% of the training cost, with the remaining 95% covered for them.
You will be counted in staff ratios and can work unsupervised, following the EYFS statutory framework as a fully qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator, which is one of the key differences between Level 2 and Level 3.
Yes. Parenta's Level 3 FAST-TRACK route delivers a fully qualified Early Years Educator in 52 weeks plus EPA. It's an intensive programme involving weekly assignments, online coursework and one live teaching session per theme, and is guaranteed subject to terms and conditions.
The Level 3 childcare apprenticeship standard route takes 15 months plus a 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA) period, so 18 months in total. Parenta also offers a FAST-TRACK option, delivering a fully qualified Early Years Educator in just 52 weeks plus EPA, subject to terms and conditions.
You do not need a Level 2 childcare qualification to start a Level 3 childcare apprenticeship. You will need to be working in a relevant early years role, hold a current L3 Paediatric First Aid (PFA) certificate and if you haven't already achieved GCSEs in English and maths, you'll complete Functional Skills alongside your main course.
A fully qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator typically earns more than an unqualified or Level 2 practitioner, but pay varies by employer, region and experience. Since Level 3 status allows you to work unsupervised and count in ratios. Ask your employer or Parenta's recruitment team for current local rates.
Early Years Practitioner is the Level 2 job title, for those working under supervision. Early Years Educator is the Level 3 job title, for those qualified to work unsupervised and count in staff ratios. Progressing from Level 2 to Level 3 is how practitioners become educators.
The Level 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) course is an apprenticeship and a work-based qualification for practitioners ready to take on more responsibility, such as observations, activity planning and supporting children's physical, emotional and social development. Achieving it means full professional recognition and the ability to count in staff ratios.
You do not need a childcare Level 2 qualification to start Level 3. If you haven't already achieved GCSEs in English and maths, you'll complete Functional Skills alongside your main course, fully supported by Parenta's team.
With a Childcare Level 3 qualification you will possess a solid foundation of knowledge on how to promote a child’s physical, emotional, and social development of babies and young children from birth to 5 years old.
Yes! As a fully qualified Early Years Educator, you will be counted in ratios.
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