Level 3 Early Years Educator Skills Bootcamp

What You’ll Learn in the Early Years Educator Skills Bootcamp

Our comprehensive Early Years training course is designed to equip you with the core skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a range of childcare and education roles - from Preschool Teaching Assistant to Nursery Practitioner. Delivered in four focused units, each one supports your development as a confident, informed, and compassionate early years professional.

1. Understanding Child Development

Build a strong foundation in child development by exploring how children grow, learn, and progress from birth to age 7. You’ll dive into key milestones and developmental stages, discover popular educational theories, and understand how individual circumstances shape a child’s learning journey. This unit empowers you to support children effectively across various early years settings, from nurseries to preschools.

2. Health and Wellbeing in Early Years

Creating a safe and nurturing environment is essential in early years education. In this unit, you’ll learn how to promote children’s physical and emotional wellbeing through best practices in health, hygiene, nutrition, and safety. You’ll also gain confidence in recognising and responding to common childhood illnesses in childcare settings.

3. Safeguarding and Child Protection

This essential unit focuses on protecting children from harm and abuse. You’ll learn how to recognise safeguarding concerns, understand your responsibilities, and respond confidently to different scenarios. We’ll also cover relevant legislation, including the Prevent Strategy, to ensure you’re fully prepared to support a safe learning environment.

4. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Inclusive education begins with awareness. This unit highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion in early childhood settings and the impact of bias, stereotyping, and discrimination. You’ll explore British values, learn about cultural sensitivity, and understand how to create an environment where every child feels seen, heard, and valued.

By completing this course, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue meaningful roles in early years education and childcare, including Nursery Assistant, Room Leader, Nursery Cook, Lunchtime Supervisor, and more.

You’re a great fit if you:

• Are aged 19 or over as of 31st August 2024
• Are employed and looking to transition into an Early Years role, or have been unemployed for less than 12 months, or you're re-entering the workforce after a career break
• Have lived in England for the past 3 consecutive years and have the right to work in the UK
  (Special exceptions may apply for individuals from Ukraine or Afghanistan)
• Are not currently enrolled in any other formal education or Skills Bootcamp
• Have not completed a Skills Bootcamp in the current funding year
• Have access to a reliable internet connection, a laptop or computer with a webcam and microphone, and Microsoft Office
• Can commit to attending all live group sessions as required by the course schedule

Please note: While our Skills Bootcamps are primarily delivered online, you must reside in an area where the course is available. Spaces are limited and subject to availability.

Important: Enhanced DBS Check

To work in an Early Years setting, you'll need a mandatory Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, which we’ll organise for you at no cost. Our team will reach out after enrolment to help you get started.

Not completing a DBS check may limit your ability to begin working in a childcare environment.

Good news - This Skills Bootcamp is fully funded for most learners!

That means you can access high-quality training at no cost to you, depending on your circumstances.

The course is free (government-funded) if you are:

• Unemployed (for less than 12 months) and looking to get back into work
• Employed but interested in changing careers and moving into early childhood education
• Self-employed and want to grow or adapt your business with new skills
• An employer hiring someone who has completed a Skills Bootcamp

For employers upskilling current staff:

• Small and medium employers (SMEs) only contribute 10% of the total cost
• Large employers contribute 30%

This is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to invest in their teams while developing in-demand Early Years expertise, without breaking the budget.

Whether you’re looking to change careers or upskill in your existing job, the Early Years Educator Skills Bootcamp is available as an intensive four-week course, as well as a six, and twelve-week option.

4 week daytime sessions:

• Week 1 and 2 – 4x 5.30-hour days.
• Week 3 and 4 – 2x 5.30-hour days.

6 week daytime sessions:

• Week 1–6 – 2x 5.30-hour days.

What You’ll Need Before You Start

To make the most of this Early Years Skills Bootcamp, it’s helpful to come in with some existing knowledge or experience related to working with children or an interest in early childhood development.

Entry Requirements:

• A minimum of a Level 1 qualification (that’s equivalent to a GCSE grade D or 3)
• If you already hold a Level 1 in English and Maths, you may be encouraged to progress toward Level 2 Functional Skills as part of your learning journey
• English and Maths certificates will be requested during the enrolment process

Basic Tech Skills Required:

You’ll also need to be comfortable using Microsoft Office programs (like Word, PowerPoint, or Excel), as these will be used throughout the course.

For more information and details on the steps to completing your course read our Frequently Asked Questions.