Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare, online in 6 months
Awarded by Qualifi and Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 4: 40 credits, 7 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
- 40
- Level
- RQF Level 4
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £416.67 / month
What this qualification is
The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare is awarded by Qualifi and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 4. The qualification totals 40 credits across 7 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.
Global early years institutions are shifting from basic childcare models to evidence-based developmental frameworks, making unverified experience insufficient for leadership roles. The bottleneck is no longer your ability to care for children but your inability to demonstrate mastery over statutory safeguarding and pedagogical planning to hiring committees.
Graduates transition from following daily routines to designing comprehensive learning environments that drive cognitive and social milestones for ages birth to five. You gain the authority to implement rigorous safeguarding protocols, manage nutrition standards, and lead communication strategies for children with special educational needs, positioning yourself as the compliance and quality expert within any care setting.
- Awarding organisation: Qualifi
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 4
- Credits: 40
- Units: 7
- Duration: 6 months
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare
- Awarding organisation:
- Qualifi
- Level:
- RQF Level 4
- Credits:
- 40
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 6 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £416.67 / month
- Entry requirements:
- A Level 3 qualification (e.g., A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, Level 3 Diploma), or equivalent; or relevant experience. Minimum age 18.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
What you'll study
Child development and enabling children to learn
9 creditsPhysical activity and nutrition co-ordination (PANCo) in early years
6 creditsSupporting children with additional needs
4 creditsPartnership working in early years settings
6 creditsImplementing and evaluating change through a research project
6 creditsLegal requirements in childcare
3 creditsAssessing and planning for children’s changing developmental needs
6 creditsEvery unit is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Two ways in
Qualifications
A Level 3 qualification (e.g., A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, Level 3 Diploma), or an international equivalent. Higher qualifications are also accepted.
Work experience
Candidates with 1–2 years of relevant professional experience 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 4, 40 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 4 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 3 qualification (e.g., A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, Level 3 Diploma) or an equivalent credential. Candidates with 1–2 years of relevant professional experience 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
Get the full course guide
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- Detailed unit and assessment breakdown
- Payment plans for every duration option
- Eligibility check for UK and international qualifications
Download the Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare - 6 months brochure
Fees, payment plans, units and progression routes, all in one PDF. We’ll also email you a copy.