Early Childhood Development Level 3 Extended Certificate (1 x A level equivalent) AAQ

Applications Open – 3rd November 2025

Applications Close – 31st July 2026

Entry Requirements –We do have entry recommendations for some courses, especially A-levels, as we would not want you to start a course that would not be suitable for you. We want to give you the best chance of future success.

The course programmes are flexible: students can mix Level 3 courses with Level 2 courses, or A-levels with BTECs. We provide impartial advice and guidance and seek to put you on the courses you want and are likely to be successful in.

Students are expected to study up to 3 A level equivalent subjects (this can be from either A levels and/or Level 3 BTEC subjects) building their own personalised combination of Level 3 subjects OR a full time Level 2 course.

The sixth form runs on a flexible timetable with some courses running until 6.00pm. This flexibility means we can offer as much as possible, to as many as possible, as often as possible.

How to Apply – Please apply via Kent Choices.

View our courses here

The Pearson Level 3 Alternative Academic Qualification BTEC National in Early Childhood Development (Extended Certificate) allows students to engage in a broad investigation of the children’s care and education sector (0-8 years).

There are four mandatory units; two examined and two internally assessed.

The internally assessed units give students the opportunity to engage in applied knowledge and understanding tasks to develop their early childhood development knowledge.

The qualification is designed to be taken alongside A Levels as part of a study programme and can link to learning in A Levels in Sociology, Psychology, Biology and English. It is intended for students that wish to progress into higher education as a pathway to employment.

360 Guided Learning Hours- Equivalent to 1 A Level.

This will include a work placement in a Childcare/Early Years setting.

This Course Has 4 Mandatory Units:

Unit 1: Children’s Development – Children’s developmental progress from birth up to eight years, including the theories, principles and factors relating to development, and the potential impact of a range of factors on a child’s progress through the developmental milestones. This is an externally Assessed Exam Unit.

Unit 2: Keeping Children Safe - Health and safety and safeguarding responsibilities of an individual working in an early years setting; emergency best practices and when to address concerns about a child’s welfare. This is an externally Assessed Exam Unit.

Unit 3: Play & Learning -The concept of play, the influence of theories and approaches to play, and the benefits of play and learning activities for children. This is an internally Assessed Coursework Unit.

Unit 4: Research & Reflective Practice - The influence of research findings on policy and provision for children and how this influences the behaviours and expectations of an individual working in an early years setting. You will complete this unit alongside a work placement.

It is recommended that students have studied Health and Social Care or Child Development or the equivalent, as well as grade 4’s in GCSE English as there is a heavy coursework element.

We also recommend GCSE grade 4 in Maths and a GCSE grade 4,4 or above in combined science.

This qualification can lead to progression to the following degrees: