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NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education

at Gateshead College, Gateshead · college

Level 3Vocational and tradeCertificate1 yearFull time

What the college says

This programme will prepare you to become an early years educator. On completion of the course, you'll be qualified to work with children in an unsupervised role from birth to 5 years or you can apply for a higher education degree programme. What will I study? -You will gain valuable 'hands-on' experience in our outstanding nursery classroom and will carry out a range of activities in this setting to build your knowledge and confidence. Practical activities will include trips and visits, hearing from guest speakers and presentation work as well as assignment work. You'll have an individual learning plan which will set out your targets to ensure you're stretched and challenged to reach your full potential. You'll also have the chance to work on special projects with local organisations such as Seven Stories. Work Experience: As part of the course you'll undertake work experience in a range of different work environments such as nurseries and primary schools. These placements will give you an opportunity to put what you learn in the classroom into practice and to build a CV packed full of work relevant skills and valuable experience. You'll develop the practical skills employers look for as well as the softer skills such as communication and team working.

What you need to get on

Qualifications needed 5 GCSEs grade A*-C (9-4) including English Language and maths. Required experience Experience of caring for others is not essential but would be beneficial.

How you are assessed

Learning a trade with tools and equipment, often in a college workshop or salon.

What this level means

The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.

Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?

Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.

Where it runs

  • BALTIC CAMPUS

    Quarryfield Road Baltic Business Quarter, GATESHEAD, NE8 3BE

    DaytimeClassroom based
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Start dates

  • 7 September 2026 · GATESHEAD

Who else teaches this exact qualification

Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.

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