Access to Early Years Teaching

L3 Level 3
Full Time
9 September 2025 — 21 June 2026
Barry Campus

About this course

The diploma allows learners to undertake study related to teaching in primary education. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes including a focus on education and teaching and learning as well as child development. The diploma also takes a wider view, focusing on topics such as safeguarding, sociology, the use of technology in the classroom which underpin most education and childhood studies degrees.

What you will study

Learners will complete mandatory units which cover an overview of learning and development techniques, developing resources, classroom management and child development but then they will be able to research an area of interest to them in more depth. They will study a range of optional units which include exploring the role of society and understanding the impact of a multicultural society and also broader educational issues including special educational needs. This diploma also has a range of optional units which support knowledge in the broader curriculum studies which a primary teacher would need e.g. science, history, e-learning, literacy and language.

Entry requirements

3+ years out of Compulsory education GCSE grade C or equivalent in English Language and Maths. DBS check required if work placement is needed. NB: Prospective learners whose English is a second language are requested to possess an ESOL level 1 Qualification NB: Prospective learners whose English is a second language are requested to demonstrate during the application process a IELTS Score of 6 overall (International English Language Testing System) of spoken and written English.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

9 September 2025

End date

21 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

16 hours per week

Location

Barry Campus
Maps & directions

Course code

ACCR3F08
L3

Qualification

Access to Early Years Teaching

Career prospects & further study

103,500

Currently, there are almost 103,500 people employed within this sector in the Cardiff Capital Region, with employment numbers expected to reach 105,000 by 2027 (Lightcast 2022).

Learners finishing this course will be able to progress into a number of HE courses including Primary Education with QTS, Education and early years studies and childhood studies courses.

In addition, progression could be onto a higher level or degree apprenticeship including:

  • Early Years Lead Practitioner (degree)
  • Early Years Senior Practitioner
  • Teacher

Locations

Barry Campus
Barry Campus

Cardiff and Vale College,

Barry Campus,

Vale of Glamorgan,

CF62 8YJ