Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)

To enrol in this qualification, learners must meet the following entry requirements:

• A Level 2 qualification and/or relevant work experience in childcare or early education, demonstrating clear career goals.
• Alternatively, a Level 3 qualification in another discipline with a desire to progress into early years education.
• Learners must be 16 years or older at the start of the course.
• A good understanding of ICT and basic digital skills.
• English language proficiency for non-native speakers (evidence of competency may be required*).
• Sufficient academic capability to meet the course’s learning and assessment standards.
• Learners must be employed or volunteering in a childcare or early years setting to complete the required practical observations and demonstrate real-world teaching practice.

Note: Please ensure you meet all entry requirements before purchasing this qualification. For full details, click here to review the complete entry guidelines.

*Learners from non-majority English-speaking countries must provide evidence of English language competency. Visit Language Expectations for more information.

The Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)  is perfect for anyone starting or growing a career in childcare. It helps you build the skills needed to work as a nursery practitioner, pre-school worker, reception class assistant, or nanny. This course is ideal for working in day nurseries, nursery schools, and primary schools, while gaining a recognised qualification to improve job opportunities.

Career Progression

Completing the Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) will allow learners to progress to:

• QUALIFI Level 4 qualifications.
• directly into employment in an associated profession.

The Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) is accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Each unit has its own RQF code, and the full course carries the Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 610/0013/6, shown on the final certificate.

Qualifi is a UK awarding organisation approved and regulated by Ofqual (RN5160), ensuring high standards and quality in vocational education. Inspire London College offers this regulated qualification, giving learners a trusted pathway into early years education.

This qualification assesses both knowledge and competence, so learners must be working or on placement in a school. Competence can be shown through observations, reflective accounts, work products, professional discussions, and activity records. Mature or part-time learners may also use relevant work experience. Each unit includes assignments based on the required Learning Outcomes (LOs) and Assessment Criteria (ACs), and tasks are designed to reflect real responsibilities in school settings.

All units are internally assessed by Inspire London College and externally verified by Qualifi. The qualification is criterion-referenced, meaning learners must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria to achieve a pass. Assessors review each submission to confirm that learners have met the required standards and demonstrated the skills needed to support teaching and learning effectively.

Upon completing the Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator), learners receive an Ofqual-Regulated Certificate (Hardcopy) from Qualifi Ltd, an Ofqual-Regulated Awarding Organisation. The standard certificate and transcript are included in the course fee and sent via regular post (local or international).

For faster delivery, learners can choose a courier service (DHL) for an additional £40 for international shipping. This option is optional and offered for convenience, as standard post typically takes 3–4 weeks.

 For support, contact certificate@inspirelondoncollege.co.uk.