Early Childhood Development Level 3

The childcare and education sector plays a crucial role in supporting children’s development, learning, health, and wellbeing.

Professionals within early childhood development support children during the most important stages of growth and learning. Careers within the sector include early years education, teaching, childcare, family support, health services, and social care. This qualification provides learners with the knowledge and understanding needed to explore child development and early years practice while preparing for progression into university, apprenticeships, or employment.

The entry requirements for this course are:

• 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including English and maths 
• Successful assessment and interview
• Interest in childcare, education, or child development
• Commitment to independent study and coursework

 If required, you will study GCSE or Functional Skills English and/or maths alongside your course so you can progress to the next level. A DBS check may be required for placement or practical activities.

This course consists of the following modules:

• Children’s development from birth to 8 years 
• Play and learning 
• Safeguarding and child protection
• Health, safety and wellbeing
• Observation and assessment techniques 
• Supporting children’s communication and language 
• Equality, diversity and inclusive practice 
• Professional practice in early years settings
• Working with families and professionals
• Research skills in early childhood development
• Children’s emotional and social development
• The role of the early years practitioner

You will be assessed via:

• Coursework assignments
• Research projects
• Written reports
• Presentations 
• Case studies
• External assessments
• Group work and practical activities
• Assessment methods are designed to develop academic and professional skills relevant to higher education and employment.

To further enhance your progression, you will actively participate in enrichment activities designed to support your personal and professional development.

These may include:

• Guest speakers from the childcare and education sector
•  University and careers visits
•  Workshops on safeguarding and child development 
• Educational visits and trips 
•  Industry conferences and seminars
• Volunteering and community engagement opportunities
•  Enterprise and teamwork projects

 Our Student Common Room is a great place to unwind and relax during your breaks. It features pool tables, table tennis, a gaming corner and lots of comfy sofas so you can refresh before your next lesson.

Themed events are held in the Common Room so you can get the best experience of being a Waltham Forest College student.

You will be offered opportunities to actively engage with employers and professionals within the childcare and education sector. Where appropriate, learners may take part in work-related learning activities, educational visits, volunteering, or placement opportunities to support career development.

The completion of this course will allow you to progress onto: 

• University study in Early Childhood Studies, Education, Psychology, Teaching, Nursing, or Health and Social Care
•  Higher level vocational qualifications
• Apprenticeships within childcare and education sectors
•   Employment within childcare and support services 
•  Progression onto further specialist study programmes

Waltham Forest College is a vibrant and aspirational college and will support you to reach your career aspirations. Last year 90% of adult learners progressed onto a positive destination either to higher levels of study, employment, or an apprenticeship.