Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma

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 ONE: THE ESSENTIALS

Phase 1: The Essentials (Weeks 1-8)

The program begins with an introduction to core topics vital for building a successful career in childcare. Your staff will start with online lectures focused on the fundamentals of supporting children in early years settings. This foundational phase ensures they gain essential knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to a child’s development and well-being. By the end of this stage, your team will be equipped to continue their growth and apply their learning with confidence in the nursery environment.

PHASE 2: THE CORE

Phase 2: Practical Application (Months 3-6)

In this phase, your staff will receive one-on-one guidance from an assessor to apply their knowledge and skills in real childcare settings. This hands-on experience allows them to demonstrate their learning while receiving feedback to refine their practice. The focus is on enhancing practical expertise, helping them bridge the gap between theory and practice. By the end of this phase, they will be fully prepared to confidently implement their skills and excel in their role within your nursery.

PHASE 3: ENHANCEMENT

Phase 3: Advanced Practice (Months 7-10)

This phase focuses on helping your staff become confident, independent early years educators. They will gain a deeper understanding of various childcare methods and child development theories, which will enable them to create enriching environments for children.

This stage enhances their ability to adapt to the needs of diverse children and build confidence in managing a variety of situations in the nursery. By the end of this phase, they will be well-prepared to support children’s development and learning effectively in any early years setting.

PHASE 4: END POINT ASSESSMENT

Phase 4: End-Point Assessment (Months 11-14)

At the end of the programme, your staff will showcase their growth through a detailed portfolio of evidence. The final assessment will evaluate their abilities across key childcare areas, ensuring they are fully prepared to deliver high-quality support in any early years setting. This assessment guarantees that they meet the professional standards necessary to thrive in their role, providing the best care and learning opportunities for the children in their care.

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.

Thanks to the great team at Swift. I know exactly where to go if I need support not just with the course but also personal concerns!

APPRENTICE

Let’s Talk!

Our Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma is a fantastic alternative to apprenticeships, offering high-quality training with faster completion times. Although it’s a commercially paid course, we believe it’s cost-effective and virtually cost-neutral compared to apprenticeships.

This means your staff can gain valuable qualifications and apply their new skills sooner, helping to improve your nursery’s performance.

Any Feedback?

feedback@swiftcc.co.uk

Regional Contacts

To contact one of our regional teams directly simply click on the one of the links…

South West London