Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator), online in 6 months
Awarded by Qualifi and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3: 60 credits, 15 units, assessed by assignment with no exams. Delivered 100% online by LEAP Education.
£10 to apply · Offer within 24 hours · Apply with qualifications or relevant work experience
Stanmore School of Business Limited — UK registered learning provider since 2017.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- RQF Level 3
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £416.67 / month
What this qualification is
The Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) is awarded by Qualifi and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 3. The qualification totals 60 credits across 15 mandatory units. Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 6 months; accelerated completion in available on selected programmes is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £1,250. Assessment is through coursework and assignments — there is no requirement to attend a UK campus.
Designed for working professionals in the UK and overseas who need a regulated qualification recognised by employers. Progress to the next RQF level or a university top-up degree where eligible.
Premium international schools and corporate childcare providers now treat the Level 3 Early Years Educator credential as a non-negotiable hiring filter, instantly discarding applicants who rely solely on practical experience without formal pedagogical training. This regulatory shift means that without this specific certification, your years of hands-on care work are viewed as informal support rather than qualified educational leadership, locking you out of salary bands that reflect true professional status.
You gain the technical authority to design developmental learning plans, conduct formal child assessments, and manage complex safeguarding protocols that define modern early years leadership. This qualification enables you to step directly into key worker or room leader positions, commanding higher remuneration and responsibility by demonstrating mastery of international educational standards rather than just basic supervision.
- Awarding organisation: Qualifi
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 3
- Credits: 60
- Units: 15
- Duration: 6 months
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
- Awarding organisation:
- Qualifi
- Level:
- RQF Level 3
- Credits:
- 60
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 6 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £416.67 / month
- Entry requirements:
- A Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma), or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Related: Education and Training Qualifications, browse related courses.
Explore: Level 3 Early Years Educator, Level 2 Early Years Practitioner.
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
What you'll study
Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through food, nutrition and exercise
4 creditsSupporting physical care routines for children and for unwell children
4 creditsPromoting children’s emotional well-being, social and emotional development
7 creditsUnderstanding the needs of the mother and baby pre-conception, during pregnancy and the first year of life
3 creditsThe role of the Early Years practitioner
2 creditsLegislation relating to Early Years practice
9 creditsWorking in partnership
3 creditsSupporting children through play in Early Years
14 creditsDeveloping the literacy, mathematical and communication skills of children
10 creditsUnderstand the needs of the child in preparing for school
2 creditsUnderstanding children’s cognitive development
5 creditsPromoting the physical development of children
4 creditsSupporting children with additional needs
4 creditsUsing studies and tools to promote the development of children
10 creditsProfessional development for Early Years Educators
2 creditsEvery unit is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Two ways in
Qualifications
A Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma), or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with some relevant work experience or a keen interest in the subject are encouraged to apply. Your practical knowledge counts.
Minimum age 18. International applicants welcome. Send us your certificates and we'll confirm eligibility within 24 hours.
Fully online
No campus visits. Study on any device, in any time zone.
Materials included
Study notes, sample assignments and resources from day one.
24/7 study assistant
Instant explanations and assignment guidance from our AI study assistant.
Tutor feedback
Qualified tutors mark assignments and give feedback by email and chat.
Where this can take you
Designed for working professionals who need a recognised qualification to move into supervisory, management or specialist roles.
Universities that recognise this qualification for progression
- University College Birmingham
- Teesside University
- University of South Wales
Progression routes vary by university and programme. Contact admissions for current entry requirements.
Choose your pace
All plans are interest-free and include every unit, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
| This page6 monthsFast-track | 9 monthsStandard mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £1,250 | £950 |
| Monthly | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) | £190 × 5 |
| Quarterly | — | £475 × 2 |
| Pay in full | £1,187.50 (save 5%) | £902.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250)
- Pay in full£1,187.50 (save 5%)
* Programme fees shown include online learning, study materials and tutor support for the qualification. A separate £10 enrolment fee is payable when you submit your application. Interest-free instalment plans and a 5% discount for paying the full programme fee upfront are available where shown.
Need a different payment plan? Our admissions team can help.
Talk to an adviser on WhatsApp →Who awards your qualification
This qualification is awarded by Qualifi, an Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation. Qualifi qualifications are recognised by employers and universities worldwide, supporting career progression and further academic study.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3, 60 credits.
Find Qualifi qualifications on the Ofqual Register →
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
Qualifi →
Start in three steps
- 01
Apply online
Complete the short form and pay the £10 enrolment fee. About five minutes.
- 02
Receive your offer
We confirm eligibility and email your start date and payment options.
- 03
Start learning
Pay your first instalment and get access to your units.
Common questions
Is this qualification regulated by Ofqual?
Yes. This qualification is awarded by Qualifi at RQF Level 3 and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
Can I study from outside the UK?
Yes. The programme is 100% online with no campus visits, so you can study from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
Are there any exams?
No. Every unit is assessed through written assignments submitted online. There are no written examinations.
What are the entry requirements?
Applicants should hold a Level 2 qualification or equivalent (e.g., GCSEs, Level 2 Diploma) or an equivalent credential. Candidates with some relevant work experience or a keen interest in the subject are also encouraged to apply. Minimum age 18.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250); 9 months (Standard mode, £950). Interest-free instalment plans are available on each option.
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time. Once your application is accepted and the first payment is made, you receive access to the learning platform and study materials.
Who operates LEAP Education?
LEAP Education is a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited (Company No. 10591140, UKPRN 10085235), a UK learning provider.
Last reviewed 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
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