Qualifi Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator), online from 6 months
Awarded by Qualifi and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 3: 83 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
- 9 months
- Credits
- 83
- Level
- RQF Level 3
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £190 / 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 83 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 9 months; accelerated completion in 6 months is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £950. 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 diplomatic compounds are systematically rejecting candidates who cannot demonstrate UK-regulated safety and developmental standards, creating a hard barrier for skilled but uncertified caregivers. This shift has transformed early years care from informal supervision into a highly regulated profession where credentials determine employability in high-stakes environments.
Graduates gain the authority to manage critical health and safety protocols in multilingual settings and lead structured learning activities that directly influence cognitive development. You will be equipped to advise parents on developmental milestones with professional confidence, securing roles that command significantly higher salaries than general childcare positions. This qualification unlocks access to stable, respected careers within international hubs that require verified UK standards for all staff.
- Awarding organisation: Qualifi
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 3
- Credits: 83
- Units: 15
- Duration: 9 months (accelerated 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:
- 83
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 9 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £190 / 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 creditsDesigns evidence-based nutrition and physical activity programs that meet international health standards for early years settings.
Supporting physical care routines for children and for unwell children
4 creditsManages complex hygiene and sickness protocols to ensure operational compliance with global safeguarding regulations.
Promoting children’s emotional well-being, social and emotional development
7 creditsImplements targeted emotional support strategies that build resilience and social competence in diverse cultural environments.
Understanding the needs of the mother and baby pre-conception, during pregnancy and the first year of life
3 creditsCoordinates holistic perinatal care frameworks that integrate medical insights with family-centered support systems.
The role of the Early Years practitioner
2 creditsEstablishes professional accountability and ethical leadership standards required for senior roles in international early years education.
Legislation relating to Early Years practice
9 creditsNavigates statutory safeguarding requirements to mitigate institutional risk and ensure legal compliance across different regulatory jurisdictions.
Working in partnership
3 creditsLeads strategic collaborations with families and multidisciplinary agencies to deliver integrated, high-quality child development support.
Supporting children through play in Early Years
14 creditsOrchestrates play-based learning environments that actively drive cognitive engagement and developmental milestones aligned with global educational standards.
Developing the literacy, mathematical and communication skills of children
10 creditsDelivers foundational academic instruction that prepares children for seamless integration into international primary education systems.
Understand the needs of the child in preparing for school
2 creditsAligns early years outcomes with primary school entry requirements to manage smooth, evidence-based transitions into formal education.
Understanding children’s cognitive development
5 creditsApplies developmental psychology frameworks to tailor pedagogical approaches that maximize individual learning potential and cognitive growth.
Promoting the physical development of children
4 creditsDesigns targeted physical activity programs that enhance motor skills and physical confidence while meeting international developmental benchmarks.
Supporting children with additional needs
4 creditsAdapts learning environments and support strategies to ensure inclusive practice for children with diverse abilities in accordance with global inclusion standards.
Using studies and tools to promote the development of children
10 creditsUtilizes data-driven assessment tools to track progress and make strategic decisions about individual child development plans.
Professional development for Early Years Educators
2 creditsStructures continuous professional improvement and career advancement strategies within the competitive international early years sector.
Every 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
A published source has not yet been matched to a salary figure for these roles.
Indicative UK salary information for related occupations. Figures reflect the referenced occupation and data source, not guaranteed earnings after completing this qualification.
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 page9 monthsStandard mode | 6 monthsFast-track | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £950 | £1,250 |
| Monthly | £190 × 5 | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) |
| Quarterly | £475 × 2 | — |
| Pay in full | £902.50 (save 5%) | £1,187.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£190 × 5
- Quarterly£475 × 2
- Pay in full£902.50 (save 5%)
- 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, 83 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.
Insights and Q&A
Extra detail beyond this page — written for learners researching fees, assessment and outcomes.
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 9 months (Standard mode, £950); 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250). 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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