Working In Early Years
Summary
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young children and their families? The Working in Early Years Pathway offers a structured, progressive route into a rewarding career in early years education. This pathway equips you with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to thrive in a variety of early years settings.
With a strong emphasis on safeguarding, inclusive education, and real-world experience, this pathway is ideal for those who want to work in nurseries, preschools, schools, or family support services. You’ll benefit from expert tutors, blended learning, and meaningful placements that prepare you for employment or further study in the early years sector.
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
- English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.
These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.
Next course dates
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Anytime
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Bispham Campus
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Anytime
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Bispham Campus
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Anytime
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Bispham Campus
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Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
If you're passionate about supporting children's development and wellbeing, this pathway offers a structured route into a fulfilling career in early years education and care. Whether you're new to the sector or looking to build on existing experience, each stage of the pathway develops your knowledge, confidence, and practical skills.
Next steps at B&FC
The Working in Early Years Pathway is designed to support your progression from foundational knowledge to full occupational competence.
progress to higher-level study such as:
Employment Opportunities
Completing the Pathway equips you with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and professional confidence to enter a variety of roles across the early years and care sectors.
Early Years Setting Volunteer | Childcare Assistant (Entry-Level) | Early Years Practitioner | Nursery Assistant | Preschool Assistant | Crèche Assistant | Playgroup Assistant | Family Support Worker | Youth Club or Community Support Worker | Teaching Assistant (Early Years) | Pastoral Support Assistant | Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion (in early years settings) | SEN Support Assistant (Early Years) | Preschool Room Leader (with Level 3)
Key information
Fees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
The Working in Early Years Pathway offers a learning journey that builds your knowledge, confidence, and practical skills. It is designed to deepen your understanding of child development and professional practice in early years settings.
At Level 3 – Early Years Educator Diploma:
You’ll develop the skills to work independently and take on leadership responsibilities. This includes:
- Planning and delivering learning activities
- Observing, assessing, and supporting children’s progress
- Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusive practice
- Supporting children with SEND and preparing them for school
Throughout the pathway, you’ll gain real-world experience through mandatory placements, apply your learning in practical settings, and benefit from expert-led sessions and employer engagement.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
The qualification within the Working in Early Years Pathway require learners to be actively working or volunteering in appropriate early years settings. These placements are essential for meeting assessment requirements and applying theoretical knowledge in real-world contexts. At Level 3, learners must complete a minimum of 350 hours in regulated environments, ideally rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, to develop professional competence and confidence.
In addition to placements, students benefit from a rich programme of guest speakers and employer engagement activities. These include talks from professionals in safeguarding, SEND, and early intervention, as well as visits from nursery managers and family support workers. These experiences provide valuable insights into current practice and help learners connect their studies to the realities of working in the early years sector.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme.
The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. This flexible approach ensures that learners can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.
Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage learner participation and discussion.
Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where learners can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the sector.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.