Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)
The flagship early years qualification — legally recognised under the EYFS statutory framework for staff:child ratio purposes. Completing this diploma makes you a qualified Early Years Educator, the industry standard for practitioners working with 0–5 year olds.
10
Units
95
Credits
Portfolio
Assessment
In person
Observation
16+
Minimum age
What you'll study
This unit explores the role and responsibilities of the reflective early years educator whilst appreciating the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) required for effective engagement within own role.
Unit ref T/651/1390 · Level 3
This unit explores holistic development and key milestones for babies and children, including the significance of experience and personal circumstance.
Unit ref Y/651/1391 · Level 3
This unit explores legislation and guidance to support the increasing awareness and confidence of the early years educator to support babies, children and their families when facilitating nurturing environments for babies and children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Unit ref A/651/1392 · Level 3
This unit explores the significance of communication for learning and holistic development in all babies and children.
Unit ref D/651/1393 · Level 3
This unit explores how the early years educator safeguards children, including wider aspects of child protection, reporting and record keeping.
Unit ref F/651/1394 · Level 3
This unit explores the relationship between legislation, policy and procedure, with further focus on own role and responsibilities with regard to the health, wellbeing and safety of babies and children.
Unit ref H/651/1395 · Level 3
This unit explores the early years statutory framework offered through the early years foundation stage (EYFS) and the implications for embedding effective characteristics of teaching and learning for all children.
Unit ref J/651/1396 · Level 3
This unit explores the assessment opportunities applied by early years educators to ensure the unique needs of each baby and child are understood and valued.
Unit ref K/651/1397 · Level 3
This unit explores the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to be able to plan, lead and review play experiences that support babies' and children's learning and development whilst fostering a positive approach to sustainability.
Unit ref L/651/1398 · Level 3
This unit explores partnership working, including benefits, challenges and complexities of professional collaboration.
Unit ref M/651/1399 · Level 3
Total: 95 credits across 10 units
Unit details taken from the NCFE CACHE qualification specification v1.0 (October 2025). Check the latest version on the NCFE website
Assessment & Requirements
How you'll be assessed
Portfolio of evidence and work-based learning
Teaching methods
Online personal tutoring & face-to-face observation
Placement hours
A minimum of 300 hours of work or placement experience is mandatory before certification. NCFE recommends 350 hours where possible.
Who this is for
Supporting babies and young children's learning and development
Career Outcomes
With this qualification you'll be eligible for roles including:
Early Years Educator
£22,000–£26,000
per year
Room Leader
£24,000–£28,000
per year
Key Person
£22,000–£25,000
per year
Career Ladder
See where this qualification fits in your career journey.
Level 2
Diploma for the Early Years Practitioneras Nursery Assistant, Early Years Practitioner, Childminder's Assistant
Level 3
Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)
as Early Years Educator, Room Leader, Key Person
Level 5
Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Servicesas Nursery Manager, Deputy Manager, Children's Services Manager
What's included
Everything included, whichever pace you choose
Every course comes with full assessor support, materials, and a money-back guarantee — no matter your pace. Choose Fast Track and you also get quicker feedback turnaround, priority support, and flexible pacing.
Fees & Payments
However you'd rather pay
Pay in full, or spread the cost across 12 months — whichever suits you best. No interest, no credit check, and every session with your assessor is included.
September Sale — prices below end 28 September
£999 £1,099
Pay in full
£92.67/mo £101
for 12 months
£154.50
Registration fee
14 days
Money back guarantee
- No interest and no credit check, whichever way you pay.
- The registration fee is paid directly to NCFE, not to us — it's included in the total above.
- All support sessions with your assessor are included — no extra charge.
- Your course includes in-person observation. There's no travel fee if you're under 2 hours from London Paddington (one way); beyond that it's £100–£250 per visit, added to your first payment. See how fees work →
- Not sure? You have a full 14-day money-back guarantee from the date of enrolment, no questions asked. See our refund policy →
- Need longer than the standard duration? Extensions are available at an additional cost. Learn more in our Terms & Conditions →
Work out your price
1. Choose your pace
2. Choose how you'd like to pay
3. How far are you from London Paddington?
Your assessor visits you in person. Work out the one-way journey by public transport, travelling in the daytime (10am–4pm). Journeys under 2 hours carry no travel fee. Check your shortest journey on Google Maps →
4. Your price
Ready to get started?
Apply in 4 minutes — your qualification starts here.
14-day risk-free guarantee. Full refund if it's not right for you.