Swift’s Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma
At Swift, we’re committed to offering flexible and effective training solutions for your team. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our new Level 3 Early Year Educator Diploma, designed as a great alternative to our apprenticeship programme.
While it’s a commercially paid course, we believe it’s virtually cost-neutral compared to an apprenticeship. The shorter completion time means your employees can qualify faster and begin applying their new skills in the workplace sooner.
This option provides the same high-quality training and support, giving you the flexibility to choose the best path for your team’s development.
TYPICAL DURATION
10 MONTHS
TRAINING LEVEL
LEVEL 3
TRAINING METHOD
BLENDED
ASSESSMENT METHOD
PORTFOLIO
FUNDING VALUE
UPTO 100%
SEND PATHWAY
YES
Training Schedule and Requirements
Throughout the 10-month course, we offer a range of flexible training options to suit different schedules, ensuring the learning process is as convenient and effective as possible. Sessions are available on a bi-weekly basis, allowing you to choose the format that works best for you:
- Within working hours: Training sessions held during standard working hours, reducing disruption and fitting seamlessly into the workday.
- Twilight sessions: Designed to provide support outside of regular working hours, reducing the impact on the workday and allowing learners to balance training with their work commitments.
- Impact sessions: One-to-one personalised support sessions designed to offer extra guidance and address specific needs, ensuring every learner has the opportunity to excel.
This flexible approach helps balance the demands of work and learning, making it easier for participants to stay on track and complete the programme successfully.
PHASE 1: THE CORE - Educator Discovery
Phase 1: Core – Educator Discovery
At this stage, learners will develop the knowledge and competencies needed to understand their role as educators within the setting, including responsibilities such as promoting healthy lifestyles, oral health, and physical activity.
PHASE 2: ENHANCEMENT – Welfare Comprehension
PHASE 2: ENHANCEMENT – Welfare Comprehension
At this stage, learners will build the knowledge and skills to maintain a safe environment, understand workplace health and safety, and ensure risks are properly assessed and managed.
Phase 3: ADVANCEMENT – Development Matters
Phase 3: ADVANCEMENT – Development Matters
Cost & Comparison Example
The cost of the course is £3,000.
Let’s do the comparison…
An average apprenticeship lasts 13 months. During this time, the apprentice needs to attend circa 350 hours of off-the-job learning, reviews, and more if there is a Functional Skill requirement.
In comparison, the Level 3 Early Year Educator Diploma lasts only 10 months, with a significant reduction in the time the learner is ‘off the job’.
The difference in cost is balanced out by this saving in time, making the extra cost to you, as the employer, approximately the same*.
* Dependent on the rate you would be paying an apprentice.
Co-funding is also an Option
Some of our clients choose to co-fund the training through a salary sacrifice scheme, where the employee contributes towards the cost. In some cases, training costs are refunded by the employee if they leave before an agreed period.
This arrangement would need to be discussed and agreed with each individual employee, but please note we cannot provide specific legal advice on this matter.
Let’s Talk!
Ready to take the next step? Whether you’re a learner looking to start your childcare career or a nursery owner seeking to build a strong team, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to learn more about our apprenticeship programs and how Swift Childcare can support your goals. Together, we’ll make a lasting impact on the future of childcare. Reach out now to get started!
Any Feedback?
feedback@swiftcc.co.uk
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