Level 4 + Level 5 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare, online from 10 months
An Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 4: 240 credits, 10 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
- 15 months
- Credits
- 240
- Level
- RQF Level 4
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £125 / month
What this qualification is
The Level 4 + Level 5 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare is awarded by an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 4. The qualification totals 240 credits across structured mandatory units. Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 15 months; accelerated completion in 10 months is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £1,500. 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.
Headteachers in international early years settings are no longer promoted for their patience alone; they are selected for their ability to navigate complex safeguarding frameworks and drive pedagogical outcomes. The bottleneck for most experienced room leaders is the inability to articulate a strategic vision that satisfies both local regulators and global franchise standards.
You will move from managing daily routines to designing comprehensive curricula that meet rigorous developmental benchmarks and safeguarding protocols. You will take full ownership of operational compliance, including health, nutrition, and staff performance management, positioning yourself as a director-level candidate rather than a support worker. This credential enables you to lead parent-stakeholder communications with authority and manage a nursery’s reputation through evidence-based practice.
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 4
- Credits: 240
- Units: 10
- Duration: 15 months (accelerated 10 months)
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 4 + Level 5 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare
- Level:
- RQF Level 4
- Credits:
- 240
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 15 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £125 / 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
P1-1-1: Planning and Organising Activities for Young Children
Develops the operational planning skills needed to design structured learning environments that balance developmental goals with efficient resource management.
P1-1-2: Understanding the Needs of Young Children
Builds the diagnostic capability to interpret complex developmental profiles and create inclusive support strategies for diverse groups.
P1-2-1: The Role of the Early Years Practitioner
Clarifies professional boundaries and ethical standards required to lead childcare teams with authority and regulatory compliance.
P1-2-2: Communication and Interaction with Young Children
Enhances interpersonal agility to establish trust and navigate communication barriers effectively in multicultural care settings.
P1-3-1: Health, Safety and Welfare of Young Children
Establishes command over risk management and safeguarding protocols to ensure secure, compliant operations across different jurisdictions.
P1-3-2: Nutrition and Hygiene for Young Children
Provides the technical expertise to implement health and wellness policies that protect institutional standards and ensure regulatory adherence.
P2-1-1: Learning and Development in the Early Years
Enables you to map developmental trajectories against educational outcomes to strategically align curriculum design with measurable growth targets.
P2-1-2: Observing and Recording the Learning and Development of Young Children
Hones your capacity to leverage observational data for strategic decision-making, transforming raw feedback into actionable insights for improvement.
P2-2-1: Planning and Implementing Learning Activities for Young Children
Develops the execution skills needed to translate pedagogical theory into scalable, high-impact learning interventions that drive consistent results.
P2-2-2: Assessing the Learning and Development of Young Children
Refines your ability to conduct rigorous outcome evaluations and adapt strategies based on performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.
Every 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
Office for National Statistics, ASHE Table 14.7a Annual pay - Gross, full-time — Education managers (SOC 2322). Data year: 2025 provisional (released 23 October 2025). Geography: UK. Occupation: Education managers. Data type: Median gross annual earnings of full-time employee jobs. Not a minimum, maximum, or average of a range. https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/earningsandworkinghours/datasets/occupation4digitsoc2010ashetable14/2025provisional
This figure is the UK median gross annual earnings of full-time employees in the cited occupation. It is not a minimum or a maximum, and it is not the pay of people who completed this qualification. Actual pay varies by location, hours, experience and employer. Completing this qualification does not guarantee employment or this salary.
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 page15 monthsStandard mode | 10 monthsFast-Track | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £1,500 | £2,200 |
| Monthly | £125 × 12 | £275 × 8 |
| Quarterly | £500 × 3 | £1,100 × 2 |
| Half-yearly | £750 × 2 | — |
| Pay in full | £1,425 (save 5%) | £2,090 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£125 × 12
- Quarterly£500 × 3
- Half-yearly£750 × 2
- Pay in full£1,425 (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 an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation. LEAP Education, a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited, delivers the programme online and supports your learning and assessment.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 4, 240 credits.
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
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 an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation 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 15 months (Standard mode, £1,500); 10 months (Fast-Track, £2,200). 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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Download the Level 4 + Level 5 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare brochure
Fees, payment plans, units and progression routes, all in one PDF. We’ll also email you a copy.