The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) is designed to prepare learners for a professional career as an Early Years Educator. The qualification enables learners to work with children from birth to 5 years, with knowledge of supporting children aged 5 to 7 years.
This is a Department for Education (DfE) approved licence‑to‑practise qualification, meaning successful learners can be counted in the Level 3 staff‑to‑child ratios within Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings in England. It is an ideal qualification for those aiming to progress into a full practitioner role within early years education and childcare.
This qualification is accredited by NCFE CACHE, a nationally recognised awarding organisation specialising in childcare, early years, and education qualifications. NCFE CACHE qualifications are widely accepted by employers, Ofsted‑regulated settings, local authorities, and higher education providers across the UK.
This qualification develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required to work confidently and professionally in early years settings. Key areas of study include:
The content aligns fully with the Early Years Educator occupational standard, ensuring learners are work‑ready on completion.
This qualification is suitable for learners who:
It is particularly suitable for those seeking long‑term career progression within early years education and care.
This qualification typically takes 12 to 18 months to complete, depending on the delivery model, learner experience, and placement hours.
On successful completion, learners are qualified to work as Early Years Educators and can be counted within the Level 3 staff‑to‑child ratios in EYFS settings.
Typical job roles include:
Learners can also progress to:
Learners may also wish to complete a Paediatric First Aid qualification, which is a statutory requirement for Early Years Educators working in Ofsted‑registered settings.
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Ncfe CACHE
Blended
-Learners must be 16 years of age or over - Learners must successfully complete an initial assessment - Learners must have access to a relevant early years placement or employment working with children aged birth to 5 years
To achieve the qualification, learners must complete: - 10 mandatory units - 95 credits in total All units are compulsory and are designed to ensure learners meet the full requirements of the Early Years Educator role. Please refer to the Qualification Specification for full details about the units.
All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. This could include direct observation within the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, written assignments or a task set by the Awarding Body.
Some learning outcomes within this qualification will require assessment in a Real Work Environment.
This is a practical, licence‑to‑practise qualification. Learners must be working, volunteering, or on placement in an early years setting in order to demonstrate competence in practice.
