Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Educator (RQF)

The Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Educator (RQF) is a nationally recognised, Ofqual-regulated qualification that trains practitioners to work with children from birth to five years. It is a ‘licence to practise’ qualification — meaning holders count within statutory staff-to-child ratios at Level 3 under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework. Awarded by TQUK — the UK’s leading childcare awarding body — it is the most widely recognised Level 3 early years qualification in England.

Yes — you must have a job or voluntary placement in an early years setting caring for children aged 0–5 to complete this qualification. The course requires a minimum of 300 hours of practical placement hours across three age groups: infants (birth to 1 year 11 months), toddlers (2–2 years 11 months), and preschool children (3–5 years). Practical observations and professional discussions are conducted in your setting as part of your assessment. If you do not have a placement, we can advise on how to find voluntary or paid positions before you enrol.

Yes — this is one of the most important features of the Level 3 diploma Diploma for Early Years Educator. Holders of this qualification count within the statutory staff-to-child ratios required by the EYFS Statutory Framework (DfE, 2023) at Level 3. To count in ratios, holders must also hold a Level 2 English qualification (GCSE grade 4/C or Functional Skills Level 2). From January 2024, managers in settings must also hold a Level 2 Maths qualification.

Most learners complete the Level 3 diploma in 12 to 18 months, studying around 10 to 15 hours per week alongside their placement. The course has a Total Qualification Time of 950 hours, including guided learning and placement hours. Because study is online and self-paced, you can progress faster or slower to fit around your childcare setting hours and other commitments. There are no fixed term dates or cohort deadlines.

The TQUK Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) carries 64 UCAS points on the UCAS Tariff. These points can support applications to foundation degrees and BA (Hons) programmes in Early Childhood Studies, Education, or related subjects. Universities set their own entry conditions, so check specific course requirements before applying. Many early years-focused foundation degree programmes specifically accept the Level 3 diploma for entry.

These are two different qualifications for different purposes. The Level 3 diploma Diploma for Early Years Educator qualifies practitioners to work with children aged 0–5 in nurseries, preschools, and childminding settings — it is a childcare and early education qualification. The Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) qualifies adults to teach or train in further education, adult learning, and workplace training settings — it is an initial teaching qualification for working with adult learners. They are not interchangeable.

With a TQUK Level 3 you can work as a qualified early years educator in nurseries, preschools, and childminding settings, counting within statutory ratios. Typical roles include nursery practitioner, key person, room leader, and nursery manager (with experience). Salaries range from around £22,000 for entry-level practitioner roles to £28,000 or more for room leader and senior practitioner positions. You can also progress to Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) via a graduate programme, or onto a foundation degree.

The Level 3 diploma Diploma for Early Years Educator is a regulated qualification recognised across England and is specifically designed to meet the DfE Early Years Educator (EYE) criteria. In Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, the early years regulatory frameworks differ, and different qualifications may apply — speak to our admissions team if you are based outside England. The qualification is widely recognised by Ofsted-registered settings, local authorities, and private nursery providers throughout England.

A Level 3 qualification is a strong foundation for a nursery manager career, but most nursery manager and room leader roles benefit from additional experience and, increasingly, a Level 5 qualification (such as the TQUK Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner). Ofsted also requires that some senior practitioners in maintained settings hold relevant higher-level qualifications. With several years of experience, a Level 3 practitioner can progress to deputy and manager roles in smaller private settings, particularly with additional short-course CPD in leadership and management.

To hold the Level 3 diploma Diploma and count within staff-to-child ratios at Level 3 in England, you must hold a Level 2 English qualification — GCSE English at grade 4 (C) or above, or Functional Skills English Level 2. From January 2024, managers or those moving into manager roles in early years settings must also hold a Level 2 Maths qualification. If you do not yet hold Level 2 English or Maths, our Functional Skills Level 2 courses can be completed alongside or before you start the Level 3 diploma.