What does this qualification cover?

The Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare has been developed in collaboration with the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY).

This qualification prepares learners to set up a home based childcare setting as a registered childminder.

Who is it suitable for?

It is suitable for learners who wish to be employed in home based childcare settings as childminding assistants or other home childcarers (eg. nannies, au pairs).

What are the entry requirements?

Learners should be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

How is this qualification structured?

In order to achieve the Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare, learners must achieve 6 credits in total. 5 credits from mandatory Unit 1 and a minimum of 1 credit from the units in the optional group.

How is it assessed?

This qualification will be internally assessed. Types of assessment include portfolio of evidence, written assignments or a task. The units within this qualification must be assessed in line with our assessment strategy.

How many credits are required to complete it?

This qualification requires 6 credits for completion.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

This qualification has been developed for completion at the learner's own pace and at Tutor discretion.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

This is a knowledge-only qualification; therefore, no placement in a real work environment is required.

Career opportunities

Although it does not provide direct progression, the subjects covered in this Award make a useful introduction to our Early Years Educator qualifications.

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.

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

The qualification is suitable for learners wishing to work as:

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