Level 3+4 Diploma Bundle in Early Years / Childcare
The Level 3+4 Diploma Bundle in Early Years / Childcare is an Ofqual-regulated qualification delivered fully online by UK School of Management (UKSM, UKPRN 10101873). The bundle sits on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) at Levels 3 and 4. A single enrolment covers both diploma stages; students complete Level 3 before progressing to Level 4 without re-enrolling. Standard duration is 15 months; fast-track is available in 10 months.
2 levels (L3+4) · Early Years / Childcare · From GBP 1,500
The Level 3 and 4 Early Years / Childcare Diploma Bundle gives you a formal qualification at the two levels where most careers in Early Years / Childcare begin to take shape. Level 3 builds the vocabulary and foundational knowledge of the subject; Level 4 develops the applied and analytical thinking that employers expect from people moving out of purely operational roles. One enrolment, two Ofqual-regulated stages, entirely online.
About this Early Years / Childcare combined pathway
Level 3 is the entry qualification for most Early Years Educator roles in England — covering child development from birth to seven, the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, safeguarding and child protection, health and well-being, and inclusive practice. It meets DfE requirements for the Early Years Educator role, which counts toward the statutory adult-to-child ratios in EYFS settings. Level 4 develops leadership and management capabilities: leading practice in early years environments, curriculum planning, staff supervision and the quality assurance that Ofsted inspection frameworks expect of settings operating above Level 3 staffing level.
What this package includes
Study these qualifications in sequence under one enrolment. Open any diploma in a new tab for full module lists and entry notes.
- L3
- L4
Who this package is for
This bundle suits people in their first management or professional role who want a qualification that reflects what they have been doing — team leaders, assistant managers and coordinators who learned on the job and now want the formal credential. It is also taken by graduates from other disciplines who have moved into Early Years / Childcare and want the qualification that belongs with the role, and by people preparing for degree top-up study who need Level 4 as their entry point.
How the combined pathway works
After enrolment you study the included qualifications in level order. Each stage builds on the previous one: you complete the learning and assessment for Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) before moving on through the remaining levels in this package, finishing with Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare.
Why combine Level 3+4 in Early Years / Childcare?
The Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification opens the ratio-counting door. The Level 4 opens the leadership one. For practitioners who know they want to progress to room leader, deputy or manager level, studying both in one programme means there's no gap between qualifying at Level 3 and continuing into Level 4 — which matters in a sector where staff development budgets are often small and study time is hard to carve out.
Study online while you work
Early years qualifications involve portfolio evidence, written assignments, and reflective accounts of practice. For people working in settings, the evidence you gather connects directly to children you work with and situations you observe — the study is grounded in real practice. Delivery is fully online with tutor support and no fixed lecture attendance requirements.
Where this diploma can take you
The Level 3+4 combined pathway qualifies you for Early Years Educator roles counting in ratio, and positions you for progression to Room Leader, Key Person (senior), Deputy Manager, and Nursery Manager level. Level 4 also supports applications to Level 5 programmes in early years leadership and management for those aiming at registered manager or owner-manager level.
Fees & payment plans
Fees for this package are set by how many levels you combine (2 levels) — not by adding each diploma’s separate price.
Fast-track · 10 months
GBP 2,200
- Option (a): GBP 275 x 8 monthly instalments
- Option (b): GBP 1100 x 2 quarterly instalments
- Option (c): GBP 2090 x 1 instalment (5% bursary)
Standard · 15 months
GBP 1,500
- Option (d): GBP 125 x 12 monthly instalments
- Option (e): GBP 500 x 3 quarterly instalments
- Option (f): GBP 750 x 2 half instalments
Progression after this package
Completing the Level 3 and 4 Early Years / Childcare Diploma Bundle positions you for roles that ask for a formal management or professional qualification above entry level. Level 4 on its own is a common requirement for team leader and coordinator roles; having both Level 3 and Level 4 on your record shows a complete foundation rather than a single snapshot. Where progression applies, this bundle supports entry to the Level 4+5 Diploma Bundle in Early Years / Childcare or to degree top-up programmes that accept Level 4 as their entry point.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What diplomas are included in the Level 3+4 Early Years / Childcare package?
This package includes Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator) and Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare, studied in sequence under one enrolment.
Is the fee the sum of each diploma's individual price?
No. Diploma Bundle fees are fixed by how many levels you combine. For this 2-level stack, standard mode is £1,500 and fast-track is £2,200.
What entry requirements do I need for the Level 3+4 Early Years / Childcare diploma?
You typically need a minimum age of 16, basic literacy and numeracy, and internet access. Experience working with children is beneficial. Level 3 meets DfE requirements for the Early Years Educator role.
Apply for this package
Continue to enrolment to apply for Level 3+4 Combined Diploma in Early Years / Childcare (Combined). The form will show this Diploma Bundle pathway.