ICTQual Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare

Starting a career in early childhood education and care offers a rewarding opportunity to support the growth, learning, and development of young children while making a meaningful difference in their lives. The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education provides learners with an excellent pathway to build advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence within the early years sector.

This qualification is designed for learners who want to progress beyond basic childcare understanding and develop a deeper insight into early childhood development and professional practice. It builds on foundational learning and prepares individuals for more responsible roles in nurseries, preschools, schools, and other early years settings.

Through this programme, learners gain the skills and knowledge required to deliver high-quality care and education, support children’s development, and work effectively with families and professionals. It also strengthens understanding of safeguarding, inclusive practice, learning through play, and creating safe and stimulating environments for young children.

The ICTQual Level 3 Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education supports career growth and professional development in the childcare sector. It helps learners move towards more advanced roles, where they can contribute positively to early education, improve practice standards, and support the development of future generations with confidence and competence.

Course overview

Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare

To enrol in ICTQual Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare, learner must meet the following entry requirements:

  • Age Requirement: Learners must be at least 16 years old at the time of registration.
  • Educational Background: Learners are typically expected to have completed a Level 2 Award or Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare, or an equivalent qualification. This ensures a solid foundation in child development, learning, and care practices.
  • Work Experience: While not mandatory, practical experience in an early years setting is highly recommended, as it helps learners relate theory to real-world practice and enhances understanding of complex care scenarios.
  • English Proficiency: Learners should have good written and spoken English skills to complete coursework, participate in discussions, and communicate effectively in professional childcare environments.

This qualification, the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare, consists of 7 mandatory units.

  1. Child Development and Learning
  2. Curriculum Planning and Implementation
  3. Observation, Assessment, and Documentation
  4. Professional Development and Reflective Practice
  5. Partnership Working with Families and Communities
  6. Leadership and Management in Early Years Settings
  7. Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

Here are the learning outcomes for each study unit of Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare:

Child Development and Learning

  • Understand advanced theories and stages of child development across physical, emotional, social, and cognitive domains.
  • Recognise the influence of genetics, environment, culture, and family on a child’s learning and wellbeing.
  • Identify strategies to support children’s individual learning needs and developmental progress.
  • Evaluate and implement activities that promote holistic growth and resilience in children.
  • Apply knowledge of child development to adapt practice for diverse learning styles and abilities.

Curriculum Planning and Implementation

  • Design, plan, and implement age-appropriate learning programmes aligned with early years curricula and standards.
  • Integrate play-based and structured learning to support individual and group development.
  • Adapt learning activities to meet the diverse needs, interests, and abilities of children.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of planning and delivery to ensure positive learning outcomes.
  • Ensure learning environments are safe, stimulating, and inclusive for all children.

Observation, Assessment, and Documentation

  • Apply systematic observation methods to monitor children’s learning and development.
  • Analyse and interpret assessment data to inform planning and individual support strategies.
  • Maintain accurate, clear, and confidential records of children’s progress.
  • Use observation and assessment to identify early intervention needs.
  • Reflect on documentation to improve practice and learning outcomes.

Professional Development and Reflective Practice

  • Demonstrate commitment to continuous professional learning and skill enhancement.
  • Reflect critically on personal practice to identify strengths, areas for improvement, and professional growth.
  • Apply feedback, supervision, and training opportunities to enhance care quality.
  • Maintain professional standards, ethics, and responsibilities in all aspects of practice.
  • Develop strategies to manage challenges and support lifelong learning within the early years sector.

Partnership Working with Families and Communities

  • Understand the importance of building positive, collaborative relationships with families and carers.
  • Engage effectively with community organisations, professionals, and support networks.
  • Share information appropriately to support children’s development and wellbeing.
  • Encourage family involvement in learning activities and early years programmes.
  • Promote inclusivity and respect for cultural, social, and individual differences.

Leadership and Management in Early Years Settings

  • Develop leadership skills to manage teams and operations within early years environments.
  • Understand organisational structures, policies, and procedures in early years settings.
  • Implement quality assurance processes to improve service delivery and compliance.
  • Support staff development, delegation, and mentorship in care teams.
  • Apply problem-solving and decision-making strategies in managerial roles.

Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

  • Understand the diverse needs of children with SEND and their impact on learning and development.
  • Develop inclusive strategies to support participation and engagement in learning activities.
  • Collaborate with families, specialists, and multidisciplinary teams to provide personalised support.
  • Monitor and evaluate interventions to ensure effective outcomes for children with SEND.
  • Promote equality, respect, and inclusion in all early years practices.


The ICTQual Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare provides learners with advanced understanding and practical abilities needed to support children’s learning and development in early years settings. It strengthens professional competence in childcare environments and prepares learners for greater responsibility in educational and care roles.

  • Advancement to higher-level early years and childcare qualifications
  • Employment as an early years practitioner in nurseries and childcare centres
  • Opportunities in preschool and foundation stage settings
  • Roles supporting learning in primary school environments
  • Development into home-based childcare or childminding services
  • Progression into team leader or supervisory roles in early years care
  • Work opportunities in family support and community childcare services
  • Entry into special educational needs (SEN) support positions
  • Career development in childcare coordination and management support roles
  • Improved employment prospects in both private and public early education sectors

FAQS

The Level 3 Award is suitable for individuals who have completed a Level 2 qualification in Early Learning and Childcare or have relevant experience in the field. It is ideal for early years practitioners who want to advance their career, as well as those aspiring to leadership and management roles within early years settings.

Learners will gain advanced skills in child development, planning learning activities, safeguarding, and supporting early education. The course also develops communication skills, behaviour management, inclusive practice, health and safety awareness, and the ability to create safe and engaging learning environments for young children.

ICTQual Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare is 3 days Training program . As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centres.

ICTQual Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare course is offered in various formats, including online, in-person, or a combination of both. Learners can choose the format that best fits their schedule and learning preferences. But final decision is made by ATC.

Yes, the ICTQual Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare is an assessment-based qualification. Learners are required to complete mandatory assessments consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). A minimum score of 75% is required to successfully pass the assessments and achieve the qualification.