NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

This Diploma prepares you to work as an Early Years Educator, supporting children from birth to five and developing knowledge of children aged five to seven. Qualification 610/4164/6 combines ten mandatory units with assessed practice in an early years setting; it is distinct from the Extended Diploma 610/6133/5.

NCFE lists this Level 3 Diploma as a licence-to-practise qualification designed to prepare learners for employment as Early Years Educators. It carries 95 credits. Employers must also check any current requirements that apply to a particular role, including safeguarding checks and relevant early years staffing requirements.

ELC provides online theory learning with tutor support through its learning portal. You also need real workplace experience and assessed practical evidence. Online study gives flexibility around your other commitments, but it does not replace the required placement or direct observation.

Paid nursery employment is one way to gain suitable experience, but a relevant early years placement may also be appropriate. Your setting must give you opportunities to demonstrate the required skills. Ask Admissions to check the setting and access for assessment before you enrol.

Yes. NCFE requires at least 300 hours of work or industry placement throughout the qualification before certification and recommends 350 hours where possible. Hours alone do not demonstrate competence: you must also meet the assessment requirements. Agree your placement and evidence plan with ELC; placement provision is not assumed.

Practical competence is assessed in the real work environment, including direct observation by an assessor. ELC will plan observation arrangements with you and your setting. The number and timing depend on the evidence needed and your progress, so a fixed number of visits cannot be promised for every learner.

You develop a portfolio combining evidence of knowledge with evidence of practical competence. This may include assignments, professional discussions and direct observations, selected to meet the unit criteria. ELC assesses the portfolio internally and NCFE externally quality assures it.

The Diploma is assessed through a portfolio rather than a traditional final written examination. You still need to complete the required assignments and practical assessments successfully. Any separate qualification you take alongside it may have its own assessment arrangements.

The usual study period is 12–24 months, consistent with NCFE guidance of one to two years. Your learning plan depends on study time, progress and access to suitable workplace evidence. The qualification has 950 total qualification hours, including 864 guided learning hours; these are qualification measures, not a promise of a fixed weekly timetable.

The minimum age is 16. NCFE sets no other entry qualifications for this Diploma, although centres may apply their own entry guidelines. ELC Admissions will discuss your readiness for Level 3 study, support needs and access to appropriate practical experience before confirming enrolment.

The complete mandatory unit list appears in the Course Units section above. It covers the educator role, holistic development, SEND, communication, safeguarding, health and safety, curriculum, assessment, play and partnership working. All ten units must be achieved; the linked NCFE specification gives the detailed criteria.

The qualification prepares learners for Early Years Educator, nursery practitioner and preschool practitioner opportunities. It can also support development in an existing early years role. Recruitment depends on your experience, employer requirements and any additional checks or qualifications required for the position; employment is not guaranteed.

NCFE identifies the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner as a possible further-study route. The separate Level 3 Extended Diploma is another option. Higher education providers set their own entry requirements, so check your intended programme with the provider and discuss your plans with ELC before choosing a route.

The ELC course fee is £1,800. The course combines online learning with tutor and assessor support and workplace-based assessment. Ask Admissions for the full written fee terms and confirmation of what is included before enrolling, including any separate requirements relevant to your circumstances.

Full payment and flexible instalment options are available through ELC. Admissions will explain the current schedule and terms before you commit. No deposit or monthly amount is quoted here because the agreed arrangement needs to be confirmed for your enrolment.

Use Apply Now to begin your application, or Enquire Now to discuss the course first. Quote qualification number 610/4164/6 so Admissions can identify the exact Diploma. The team will review entry requirements, your workplace or placement arrangements, support needs and payment terms before enrolment.