OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Overview

The Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a vocational qualification aiming to develop advanced knowledge, skills and professional practice in early years education. It builds on prior learning (typically a Level 4 qualification or equivalent experience) and prepares learners for leadership roles in early -year settings. It is academically aligned with higher education standards (e.g., the second year of a bachelor’s degree).

Do You Need to Be Working to Take This Qualification?

Learners are not required to be employed in an early year or childcare setting to undertake the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education.

Equivalences

Level 4 qualifications denote practical knowledge, skills, capacities, and competencies that are academically recognised as equivalent to the first year of a UK Bachelor’s Degree.

Delivery Methods

Level 5 Diploma qualifications represent practical knowledge, skills, capabilities and competences that are assessed in academic terms as being equivalent to Higher National Diplomas (HND) and Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree programme.

Learners are able to:

• Access all course materials, including online modules and written assignments.
• Receive continuous support from qualified tutors.
• Access the LCPS online learning portal 24/7, providing a user-friendly and flexible study experience.
• Obtain detailed assignment briefings and comprehensive study notes.
• Receive assignment marking and constructive feedback.
• Study fully accredited UK qualifications.
• Benefit from dedicated customer support via chat, telephone, or email (Monday to Friday).
• Receive full academic and administrative support throughout the duration of the course until completion.

Duration

Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education is available in 2 modes:

• 09 Months (Fast Track)
• 14 Months

Accreditation

Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education is accredited by Ofqual awarding body.

Course Delivery

• Online

Entry Requirements

• Learners must be 18 years and above.
• Relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent qualification

Module Structure

Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education qualification consists of 12 mandatory units.

Progression

• Learners may progress to the Level 6 Diploma in Early Childhood Education or an equivalent qualification in education, childcare, or early years management.
• The qualification also provides entry routes to a top-up bachelor’s degree (BA or BSc) in early childhood studies, education, or a related discipline at a recognised UK university, subject to individual entry requirements.
• It serves as a solid foundation for learners aspiring to pursue teacher training, Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through further study.

Assessment

• Assessment is via assignment submission.
• No Exams
• There are no practical observations required to complete this course

What could this qualification lead to?

Learners undertaking this qualification may work in job roles such as:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Nursery Supervisor or Room Leader
• Preschool or Childcare Coordinator
• Early Years Curriculum Assistant
• Teaching Assistant in early years settings

Learners who complete this qualification with the London College of Professional Studies (LCPS) may progress to further study at a range of recognised UK universities.

• Coventry University
• Canterbury Christ Church University
• Sunderland University
• Bath Spa University
• Buckinghamshire University
• University of Derby
• University of Northampton
• Anglia Ruskin University
• University of Portsmouth
• and others.