ICTQual Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare

Embarking on a career in early childhood education and care is a journey filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and making a positive impact on the lives of young children and their families. For those looking to take their expertise to the next level, the Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare presents an exciting pathway towards advanced knowledge, specialized skills, and career advancement within the dynamic field of early years practice.

The Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare is an advanced qualification designed for individuals who are looking to further their knowledge and skills in the field of early childhood education and care. This award builds upon the foundational concepts covered in the Level 2 qualification, providing learners with a deeper understanding of early years practice and preparing them for more senior roles within the sector.

Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare is designed to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies necessary to provide high-quality care and education to young children and support their families in a variety of early years settings. It offers a pathway to career advancement and professional development within the rewarding field of early childhood education and care.

The Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare represents a significant milestone in the professional journey of early years practitioners. With its focus on advanced knowledge, specialized skills, and career development, this qualification paves the way for practitioners to become leaders, innovators, and champions of excellence in early childhood education and care. As we continue to unlock the potential of every child, let us embrace the opportunities that the Level 3 Award brings, and together, create a brighter future for the next generation.

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 18 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. Non-native speakers are advised to have an IELTS score of 6.0 or equivalent.
  • Additional Requirement: Ability to demonstrate professionalism, patience, empathy, and strong interpersonal skills when working with children, families, and colleagues.

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.


Completing the Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare equips learners with advanced knowledge, practical skills, and professional confidence to take on more senior roles in early years education. This qualification serves as a key stepping stone for further study, career advancement, and leadership opportunities within the childcare sector.

Progression to Higher-Level Qualifications
  • Learners can advance to Level 4 Diplomas in Early Learning and Childcare, focusing on leadership, management, curriculum development, and specialised areas such as special educational needs (SEND).
  • Level 4 and 5 qualifications prepare learners for senior practitioner, room leader, or early years manager roles, with responsibilities for supervising teams, implementing care policies, and maintaining high-quality standards in childcare settings.
  • Learners interested in academic study can progress to foundation degrees or bachelor’s degrees in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, or Education Studies, which may lead to careers in teaching, research, or specialist childcare roles.
Career Opportunities
  • Early years practitioner or senior nursery practitioner: Delivering high-quality care and learning experiences for children.
  • Room leader or team leader: Supervising staff, planning the curriculum, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Special educational needs (SEND) support worker: Supporting children with additional needs and liaising with families and professionals.
  • Childcare supervisor or early years manager: Overseeing operations, developing staff, and ensuring organisational goals are met.

The qualification also enables employment in a variety of settings, such as nurseries, pre-schools, primary schools, after-school clubs, childcare centres, and community programmes, providing a broad spectrum of professional opportunities.

Professional Development and Skills Enhancement
  • Learners develop advanced transferable skills, including leadership, team management, curriculum planning, observation, assessment, safeguarding, and reflective practice.
  • The course enhances learners’ confidence, problem-solving abilities, and professional accountability, making them valuable assets in any early years environment.
  • Graduates are well-positioned to pursue professional registration, accreditation, or specialised training, ensuring compliance with early years statutory requirements and supporting continuous career growth.
Long-Term Career Potential
  • With experience and further qualifications, learners can progress to senior leadership or managerial roles, such as early years centre director, curriculum coordinator, or educational consultant.
  • The Level 3 Award provides a foundation for specialisation in areas like inclusion, SEND, outdoor education, or early years curriculum design, offering long-term career stability and growth.
  • Graduates can also explore opportunities in policy development, inspection roles, or higher education, contributing to the broader early years sector.

Overall, the Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare provides learners with a comprehensive pathway for professional advancement, combining practical skills, leadership development, and academic progression to build a long-term, rewarding career in early years education.

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.

candidates typically need to have completed a Level 2 qualification in Early Learning and Childcare or have relevant experience in the field. Candidates are typically required to be at least 18 years old and have a basic level of English language proficiency.

Level 3 Award in Early Learning and Childcare is 3 Day 9 Hours Training program . As this Training program have mandatory assessment which will be conducted through Approved Training Centres. From Admission to Certification, it can take 1 to 3 Weeks.

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

Yes, assessments include quizzes consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). These assessments are designed to evaluate participants’ comprehension of course material and their capacity to apply concepts in practical situations. It is mandatory to pass assessments with a minimum score of 75%