Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) (RQF) - Level 3
The accredited CACHE qualification that qualifies you to work with children from birth to five years — and count in staff-to-child ratios.
or £699/year (save 15%)
Is this course right for you?
This course is for you if…
- ✓ You want to work with children aged 0–5 in nurseries, pre-schools, or reception classes
- ✓ You want a qualification that lets you count in staff-to-child ratios
- ✓ You're passionate about early childhood development
- ✓ You want to study online, around work or family
After this course, you can…
- → Work as an Early Years Educator in nurseries, pre-schools, and children's centres
- → Count in the Level 3 staff-to-child ratios (EYFS requirement)
- → Progress to Early Years Teacher status or a degree in Early Childhood Studies
You'll need…
- • GCSE English at grade C/4 or above (required for EYE status)
- • Access to a computer or tablet with internet
- • No prior experience necessary
- • Be 16 or over
What you'll study
The Early Years Educator CACHE Level 3 Diploma covers everything you need to care for and support the development of young children.
Study how children develop physically, cognitively, emotionally, and socially from conception to age seven. Understand developmental milestones and how to support each child's unique journey.
Explore the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. Learn how play supports holistic development and how to plan age-appropriate activities that promote learning.
Understand your role in safeguarding children, promoting health and wellbeing, providing safe environments, and responding to concerns about a child's welfare.
Learn how to observe children effectively, assess their development, and use your findings to plan activities that support individual learning needs.
Develop strategies for supporting early reading, writing, and mathematical development. Understand school readiness and how to prepare children for the next stage.
Understand reflective practice, professional development, and how to work effectively with parents, carers, and other professionals in early years settings.
6 modules · 14 units · Approximately 12 hours per week study time
How you'll learn
Online Materials
Study at your pace with interactive content
Instant Study Support
Ask a question any time — get a clear answer in seconds, 24/7
Expert Tutors
Qualified humans mark your work within 5 days
Flexible Schedule
Learn around your life, work, and family
Mobile Friendly
Study anywhere on any device
Regular Feedback
Know exactly where you stand at all times
Where this course takes you
The Early Years Educator CACHE Level 3 Diploma opens doors to a fulfilling career working with young children.
Average salary for Early Years Educators in the UK
Senior practitioners and room leaders can earn more
Qualifies you to count in EYFS staff-to-child ratios
Support included with your subscription
Ask a question at midnight, get a clear answer in seconds. And if you ever need deeper help, your named human tutor is never more than a business day away.
| What you need | How it works | Response time |
|---|---|---|
| Quick question about your coursework | Intelligent study assistant | Instant — 24/7 |
| Feedback on practice work | Instant review with detailed notes | Instant — 24/7 |
| Stuck on a complex concept | Step-by-step explanation with examples | Instant — 24/7 |
| Need human guidance or reassurance | Your named, qualified tutor | Within 1 business day |
| Formal assessment marking | Human tutor reviews and grades | Within 3 business days |
Frequently asked questions
No prior experience is required to begin studying. However, to achieve full Early Years Educator status, you'll need to complete practical placement hours in a childcare setting.
The course is designed to take 12 months, studying around 12 hours per week. You can work at your own pace.
Yes. The CACHE Level 3 Diploma qualifies you as an Early Years Educator and enables you to count in the statutory staff-to-child ratios under the EYFS framework.
You'll need GCSE English at grade C/4 or above to achieve full EYE status. If you don't have this yet, our Functional Skills English Level 2 is a suitable alternative.
Assessments include written assignments, observations, and a professional practice portfolio. No exams. All assessment fees are included in your subscription.
You can work in nurseries, pre-schools, children's centres, or reception classes. You can also progress to Early Years Teacher training or a degree in Early Childhood Studies.
Start your early years career today
You've already made the hardest decision — to start. Let us help you get there.