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A 30% Early Bird Discount is available from 8:30am on Monday 1st July, until 7:00pm on Monday 30th September. The discount is available on most courses has been automatically applied to the fees displayed on our website. Browse and enrol online or call us on freephone 0800 988 0308 to speak to a member of the team today!

Level 3 Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare

The Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare is an essential course for anyone looking to set up a home based childcare setting as a registered childminder. The Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare qualification has been developed in collaboration with the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY).

Course summary

The course is suitable for learners who wish to be employed in home based childcare settings as:

  • registered childminders
  • childminding assistants
  • nannies
  • au pairs
  • other childcarers in home based settings.

Applicants must be aged 19 or over and have a reasonable command of English, maths and ICT skills that enable them to support the needs of their learners.

The course consists of 2 units:

  • Preparing to Work as a Home Based Childcarer
  • Preparing to Set Up a Home Based Childcare Business

The course is assessed via a portfolio of evidence, written assignments or a task; no placement in a real work environment is required. The course does not provide direct progression, however the subjects covered in this Award make a useful introduction to our Early Years Educator apprenticeship. A paediatric first aid qualification is a requirement of registration for childminders; learners may wish to consider the Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid.

How will I be supported in my learning?

Participants on the course will be provided with access to BKSB to further develop their maths, English and ICT skills. Learning materials and feedback will be made available through the GoLearn Virtual Learning Environment which provides participants with 24/7 access to content.

This course is a delivered face-to-face.  Participants can be provided with access to a Microsoft 365 account through which they can communicate with their tutor and the other participants without charge.

Extensive and specialist support for learners with additional learning needs (SEND) or disabilities is available, contact us for more information.

What could the course lead to?

Participants who successfully complete the Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare will gain a qualification which prepares you to work in the home based child care sector. You could also progress on to the following qualifications in the future:

Key Course Details:

How long is the course?

The course is 13 weeks long, including a 1-week study break. Following the 13 weeks of formal teaching, participants will have approximately 4 weeks to complete and submit their portfolio. The marking and verification process for work submitted can take up to 2 months.

What is the hourly commitment?

This course is part-time with a weekly commitment of 4 hours in-class. In addition to this, participants should plan to dedicate a minimum of 1 hour per week to completing independent study in advance of each session. The total guided learning hours for this course is 50, and the total time commitment is approximately 60 hours.

Who is this course accredited by?

The course is accredited by NCFE, the third biggest technical and vocational awarding organisation in the UK. Learn more about .

How much does the qualification cost?

The Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare course will cost £532.50 full fee. Instalment plans are available to help spread the cost of study.

Other costs:

  • Learners on the course will also require writing/note-taking materials.
  • Access to a PC or laptop to support in-class and independent study is recommended.

How do I apply?

For more information on the course, or to discuss any of the training options we have available, contact us on:

You will be put in contact with a member of our delivery team to discuss which options may be right for you.