Level 3 Award, Certificate, Diploma in Child Care and Education

Who is the qualification aimed at?

Learners who need the knowledge and understanding of child development and education necessary for working with children in a variety of job roles and settings.

Learners should be at least 16 years of age.

It prepares learners to work unsupervised or in a supervisory capacity with children and their families in a variety of settings and environments within the sector of Children's Services.

Birth to 16 years of age.

• For the Award, assessment is by a multiple choice question paper and an assessment task.


• For the Certificate, assessment is by a multiple choice question paper, short answer tests and written assignments.


• For the Diploma, assessment is by a research task plus a portfolio of work to support professional practice and assignments.

Yes, for the Diploma.

• 120 guided learning hours for the Award.


• 360 guided learning hours for the Certificate.


• 1009 guided learning hours for the Diploma plus a further 750 hours in practical placements.

Higher education degrees in a related area including Foundation Degrees

• Early Years Practitioner
• Creche Practitioner
• Special Needs Support Worker
• Nanny