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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) plus Functional Skills Maths and English

OSC1482 / OSC1483

Become a fully qualified early years educator with this NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) plus Functionals Skills in Maths and English bundle course.

Course duration

Up to two years.

Course outcome

You will receive your NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) certificate as well as your Functional Skills Maths and English qualifications.

Entry requirements

You must be 16 years of age. You will also need to have a placement in an early years setting in mainland England with support from a workplace mentor.

Assessment

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator): Tutor-marked assignments and practical skills assessment within your working environment.

Functional Skills Maths and English: Four paper exams.

Course Options

Study Options

 
£2,529.00
or £84.53 /month*
Course code: OSC1482
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Course overview

  • Fully accredited and nationally recognised NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) qualification.
  • Become a fully qualified early years educator/practitioner, also known as a nursery nurse, ready to enter the workplace.
  • Study alongside your work or placement in an early years setting.
  • Achieve the Functional Skills qualifications in Maths and English you'll need to work in an early year's setting.
  • Assessor visit included and organised by us around your schedule.
  • Earn 32 UCAS points to support your higher education application if you wish to progress your studies beyond this course.
  • FREE access to the NCFE CACHE Alumni membership for two years when you enrol on your course.
  • If you add on your Functional Skills exams, we will book and pay for them for you!

The aim of this qualification is to prepare you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to become an early years educator, enabling you to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5-7 years.

The course covers the health and wellbeing of children and their learning, play, and development to prepare them for school. You will also study the legislation, frameworks, and professional practice involved in working in an early year’s setting. Upon successful completion of this course, you can apply to roles such as early years educator/practitioner to work in early years settings with children aged from birth to five years old.

You will also earn 32 UCAS points once you have successfully completed your course which can be used to support your application to study a related higher education degree.

This NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) plus Functional Skills Maths and English bundle course will allow you to achieve the Functional Skills Maths and English Level 2 qualifications you need to work as an early year’s educator/practitioner or nursery nurse.

Please note that you must complete the Functional Skills exams to achieve your qualification. You can choose to add your exams to your enrolment, and we will save you the hassle of booking them, giving you more time to dedicate to your studies. If you do not add your exams to your enrolment, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams by liaising directly with your chosen exam centre.

  • Positive and negative numbers
  • Addition and subtraction in a practical context
  • Multiplication and division in a practical context
  • Factors and multiples
  • Fractions and decimals
  • Estimation

  • Ratios
  • Scaling quantities
  • Using map scales
  • Percentages
  • Converting percentages, fractions and decimals
  • Compound interest

  • Substituting equations
  • Simplifying equations and multiplying out brackets
  • Changing the subject of an equation
  • Solving simple equations
  • Unit conversion
  • Speed, distance and time
  • Density

  • Perimeter and area of 2D shapes
  • Circumference
  • Volume
  • 3D shapes
  • Elevations and plans
  • Coordinates

  • Qualitative and quantitative data
  • Continuous and discrete data
  • Simple statistical tests on data
  • Graphs and charts
  • Comparing data
  • Understanding probability

  • Extracting relevant information
  • Following narratives and line of arguments
  • Communication information, ideas and opinions
  • Making requests and asking questions
  • Expressing opinions and arguments
  • Using language effectively
  • Making relevant and constructive contributions
  • Adapting contributions
  • Interjecting and redirecting discussions

  • Identify key information needed for a range of situations
  • Compare information, ideas and opinions
  • Identify implicit and inferred meaning
  • Understand the relationship between textual features and devices
  • Use a range of reference materials and appropriate resources
  • Understand organisational features
  • Analyses texts of different complexity
  • Follow and identify different points of an argument
  • Identify different styles of writing and writers voice

  • Spelling, punctuation and grammar
  • Communicating information, ideas and opinions effectively and clearly
  • Writing texts to meet the needs of purpose and audience
  • Organising writing for different purposes
  • Using different language and register
  • Constructing complex sentences

  • Understand the professional roles and responsibilities required to work in an early years setting.
  • Understand procedures that must be adhered to in the work setting and their importance.
  • Understand the role of supervision.
  • Understand professional development.
  • Use and model good communication skills.
  • Explain how the behaviours of an early years educator can impact babies and children and the importance of role-modelling positive behaviours.
  • Be confident in supporting or challenging the practice of colleagues.
  • Be able to follow procedures in the work setting.
  • Be able to foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement that encourages confidential discussion of sensitive issues.
  • Be able to seek out feedback from others and use reflection to identify and support career development and personal goals.

  • Understand the expected patterns of babies’ and children’s development from conception to 7 years old.
  • Understand key milestones for holistic development.
  • Understand the influence of key individuals and the importance of attachments
  • Understand the significance of physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
  • Understand co-regulation and self-regulation in children.
  • Understand a range of evidence-based theories and research that underpin early years development and be able to apply these theories in practice.
  • Be able to support children in forming positive attachments.

  • Know about legislation and guidance for children and young people with SEND
  • Understand that there are appropriate strategies for supporting a baby or child with SEND.
  • Understand that there are specialist aids, resources and equipment available and be able to use them.
  • Explain and apply the early years foundation stage statutory framework.
  • Work effectively in partnership with others, including parents and carers.
  • Effectively carry out a child’s care plan, with ongoing reviews.
  • Analyse and explain how cultural background and circumstances can impact on learning and development.

  • Understand the impact of an effective communication and language curriculum that offers positive benefits to development.
  • Understand that children develop at their own pace and there are different ways to communicate with every child.
  • Develop, support and promote speech, language and communication through effective planned adult interactions.
  • Apply a range of communication methods for effective collaborative working.

  • Understand the signs of harm and the different types of abuse and what these are.
  • Understand legislation, policy and procedure in relation to keeping children safe.
  • Be able to recognise when a baby or child is in danger of at rise of abuse (including online) and know how to act to protect them.
  • Be able to follow Ofsted’s whistleblowing policy

  • Understand legal requirements and statutory guidance on health and safety.
  • Understand it is important to ensure equipment, furniture and materials are used safely and the dangers of not doing so.
  • Understand the role of policy and procedure in maintaining the health, wellbeing and safety of babies and children.
  • Understand that it is important to prevent and control infection.
  • Be able to carry out risk assessment and risk management.
  • Understand how to maintain accurate and coherent records and reports to share information when appropriate.
  • Be able to implement effective strategies for preventing and controlling infection.

  • Understand how evidence-based philosophical and pedagogical approaches influence the early years foundation stage.
  • Understand that all children and young people are entitled to education which is appropriate to their needs and promotes the fulfilment of their full potential.
  • Understand that a carefully planned and sequences curriculum is essential for all children.
  • Promote equality of opportunity in the education and care of all children in early years provision.
  • Be able to adapt teaching to suit babies’ and children’s different starting points, experience and knowledge.

  • Understand the role of assessment in helping parents, carers and educators to recognise children’s progress.
  • Understand the role of the early years educator for effective and accurate, proportionate assessment.
  • Understand the key stages in assessing children’s progress.
  • Be able to carry out assessment effectively, plan and record the outcomes, and share results accurately and confidently.

  • Understand theories of play and its fundamental role in learning and development.
  • Understand different types of play of play for all children.
  • Understand inclusive play practice.
  • Be able to plan, lead and evaluate play opportunities in an early years setting.
  • Be able to apply theoretical perspectives and philosophical approaches in planning play opportunities.

  • Understand the importance of developing and maintaining good relationships and partnerships in an early years setting.
  • Understand the significance of parent and carer engagement.
  • Understand that Ofsted is responsible for the regulation and inspection of early years provision.
  • Be able to work in partnership with parents and carers to help them recognise and value the significant contributions they make.

The minimum placement hours for this qualification is 300 hours. However, it is recommended that learners undertake 350 hours where possible.

Exam details

  • Duration: 25 minutes
  • Weighting: 25%
  • Marks: 16 in total
  • Assessment format: onscreen or paper-based assessment

  • Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Weighting: 75%
  • Marks: 48 in total
  • Assessment format: onscreen or paper-based assessment

Exam details

Duration: 40 minutes

Assessment format: A 5-minute presentation with question and answer session. A 15-minute formal discussion.

Duration: 75 minutes

Marks: 35

Assessment format: Multiple choice, short open response and medium open response questions.

Duration: 60 minutes

Marks: 36

Assessment format: 2 set tasks with 42% of marks assessing spelling, grammar and punctuation

Speaking, listening and communicating

Reading

Writing

Awarding body

NCFE is a leading provider of vocational and technical courses as well as an educational charity. With over 170 years of experience in providing an outstanding education experience, NCFE work with industry experts to create smarter solutions to the greatest learning needs.

They are one of the largest technical and vocational awarding bodies in the United Kingdom and their qualifications are awarded to thousands of people each year.

In 2015, CACHE (The Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education) became a part of NCFE.

Extra information

You will have up to 24 months to complete all three courses in this package. This allows you to work at your own pace. You will also need to complete 300 placement hours.

You will study your courses by distance learning, which will enable you to take control of your studies. You can study at your own pace from a place that suits you. All your learning materials will be posted or emailed to you online, depending on the learning method you choose. You will also receive our tutor support by email, so help is only ever a click away.

Once you have successfully completed your assignments and workplace observations, you will receive your NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator). A certificate will be provided to you as recognition of your achievement.

Once you have passed your exams, you will also receive your Functional Skills Maths and English qualifications.

NCFE is a leading provider of vocational and technical courses as well as an educational charity. With over 170 years of experience in providing an outstanding education experience, NCFE work with industry experts to create smarter solutions to the greatest learning needs.

They are one of the largest technical and vocational awarding bodies in the United Kingdom and their qualifications are awarded to thousands of people each year.

In 2015, CACHE (The Council for Awards in Care, Health, and Education) became a part of NCFE.

Once you have enrolled on your NCFE CACHE course, you will have access to the NCFE CACHE Alumni membership for two years. NCFE CACHE Alumni is a professional membership network for those who work in the care, health, and education industries, providing valuable resources and advice for your studies when working towards/with a NCFE CACHE qualification.

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator).

All units are internally assessed. This course requires an assessment of your practical skills within your working environment. Methods of assessment could include:

  • Direct observation of practice
  • Witness evidence when directed by the sector skills assessment strategy
  • Professional discussion
  • Reflection on own practice in real work situations
  • Written assignments

Skills based outcomes must be achieved in a real work environment in an early years setting with the support of a personal mentor.

Your written assignments will be submitted via email to your tutor for marking.

Please note: A placement in an Early Years Setting is needed to cover the required number of hours. A risk assessment will need to be carried out once you are in placement.

Functional Skills English exam

The exam consists of three papers which are detailed below.

Functional Skills Maths exam

The exam consists of two papers.

Choosing to add the exams package

If you choose to add your exams on to your enrolment, all you need to do is contact us when you are ready to sit your exams, we will book and pay for them on your behalf. You are advised to contact us well in advance of when you intend to sit your exams so that we can confirm your place with the exam board.

Please note, our Functional Skills exam centre locations for this course are as follows:

  • Birmingham
  • Coventry
  • Doncaster
  • Bolton
  • Wimbledon
  • Taunton
  • St Neots, Cambridgeshire
  • High Wycombe

The course-only option

If you do not add your exams to your enrolment, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams yourself. If you select this option, you must source and liaise with your chosen exam centre in order to book your exams, Open Study College will not be able to book your exams for you.

Successful learners can progress to employment in areas such as:

  • Educator in day nurseries
  • Educator in nursery schools
  • Educator in reception classes in primary schools
  • Pre-school worker

FAQs

You will need to be at least 16 years of age to enrol on this course. You will need to have a placement in an early years setting in mainland England with support from a workplace mentor. Students also must have basic IT skills and be fluent in English.

All three courses in this package must be completed in 24 months. You must also have completed the minimum 300 placement hours.

All units for the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) are internally assessed. This course requires an assessment of your practical skills within your working environment. Methods of assessment could include:

  • Direct observation of practice
  • Witness evidence when directed by the sector skills assessment strategy
  • Professional discussion
  • Reflection on own practice in real work situations
  • Written assignments

Students will be visited by an assessor three times during the duration of the course as part of the overall assessment.

The Functional Skills courses are assessed by external exams.

  • Dedicated personal tutor support with unlimited email access.
  • Dedicated learner services from our learner services team.
  • Workplace assessments required to complete the course.
  • Course materials with learning activities.
  • Assignment marking and feedback from your personal tutor.
  • A free CV critique service and employability guide if you’re focusing on career advancement.
  • A free XO Student Discounts membership to save you money on your favourite brands.
  • FREE CACHE Alumni membership for two years.
  • A study pack including a pen, study planner, and notebook*.

* Not included with the online study option

Yes, you will need to be working, volunteering, or on practical placement as you need to show competence in both knowledge and skills. The recommended number of placement hours for this course is 350 hours. It is important that your work placement is across the age range from birth to five years old. It is essential you secure a placement that can provide you with a suitably qualified level three mentor. An assessor will also need to sign off any additional evidence that you provide for your assessment relating to your placement.

Functional Skills English and Maths

If you select the course-only option when enrolling on your course, you will need to book directly with the exam centre and pay for your exams yourself. We highly recommend researching your options before enrolling as costs can vary between centres. However, if you choose to add the exams package to your enrolment, we will take care of booking and paying for your exams for you when you are ready.

Yes, in order to achieve your Functional Skills qualification, you must complete the exams required by the course’s exam board.

You can choose to add your exams to your enrolment with us, in which case we will book and pay for your exams for you when you are ready. Alternatively, if you choose the course-only option, you will be responsible for booking and paying for your exams which can be done directly with your local exam centre.

Please note: if you add on exams you will need to sit these exams in either the Birmingham, Coventry, Doncaster, Bolton, Wimbledon, Taunton, Belfast, High Wycombe, or St Neots, Cambridgeshire examination centre.

It's not a problem. We offer a course replacement service, so if you get into trouble and your course pack is lost or damaged, our Learner Services Team can provide you with a new set of materials for a one-time additional fee.

That's not a problem. We want to make sure you're 100% confident about enrolling on the course and starting your study. So, just give our team of education specialists a call on 03300 563 100 and they'll do their best to help.