Overview

From September 2015, if you want to gain a qualification that is recognised by Ofsted as allowing you work in the early year’s sector in England and be counted in the ratios it must have ‘Early Years Educator’ (EYE) in the title. We are offering a dual qualification, the level 3 EYE diploma awarded by Skills First ( a  government approved awarding  body )with our Montessori Diploma (level 4) in early  years  to be able to offer a qualification that does exactly that:  Early Years Educator and Montessori diploma (Early Years Educator) (QCF) 

The course of study leading to this qualification is a combination of knowledge-based and workplace-based assignments, supported by direct observation of your practice by your assessor in your setting. You can start at any time and progress at your own pace, and you’ll find that all the course materials have been very carefully organised to be logical and easy to use.

The EYE part of the course is concerned with all the regulatory aspects of working in the early years. The Montessori part of the course introduces the Montessori theory that underpins classroom practice and gives you comprehensive but intensive training on working with the Montessori materials during an 11-day workshop.

Part of the qualification involves a required professional placement in a Montessori learning environment (OFSTED recognized), a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required, as it is for anyone working with children

Qualifications have been built to meet the criteria for Early Years Educators required by the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) which were developed in response to the Department for Education and NCTL’s More Great Childcare report.’

How long does it take to complete?

Student are given two years to complete but can be complete quicker, depending on number of home study hours the student can undertake.  We recommend 7 to 10 hours plus 15 -24 hours in placement per week for those undertaking blended study.   If you undertake your placement while studying you become a full-time student.

Start Dates

Since the course is modular based you can start anytime. In your learning agreement (which you will receive upon enrollment) the start and expected completion date will be stated.

How is it assessed?

To gain this qualification the learner will need to:

• Have a minimum of 3GCSEs to include Maths and English at grade C or above (or have a NARIC statement of comparability)
• Pass all 18  units
• Complete 400 hours teaching practice  in a Montessori Early Years  setting
• Attend 11 days Montessori apparatus workshop
• Pass Practical examinations
• Pass written examination