OTHM Awarding Body

Average Completion Time: 6-18 Months

Course Level: 5

Study Method: Online

Study Units: 6 Units

Assessment Based

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education offers a comprehensive qualification designed for individuals who want to deepen their understanding of early childhood development and pursue a rewarding career in this essential sector.

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a high-level qualification aimed at professionals who are currently working in or aspiring to work in leadership or management roles within early years education settings. This course focuses on equipping learners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to effectively support children’s development during their early years and manage early childhood education programs.

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a valuable qualification for those looking to pursue or advance in leadership and management roles in early childhood settings. With flexible learning options, global recognition, and clear pathways for further study or career progression, this qualification can open doors to a rewarding career in shaping the future of young children.

Entry Requirements

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education is designed for learners aged 18 and above. To be eligible for this course, learners should meet one of the following entry requirements:
Relevant Level 4 Qualification or an equivalent qualification in a related field.
GCE Advanced Level (A-Levels) in 3 subjects or an equivalent academic qualification.
Mature Learners (over 21 years old) with relevant management or childcare experience.
(Note: Mature learners should confirm the suitability of their experience with the delivery center before enrolling.)
These entry requirements ensure that learners have the foundational knowledge or relevant experience to succeed in this advanced qualification. This diploma is ideal for those seeking to progress their careers in early childhood education or move into leadership roles within the field.

Equivalences

OTHM Level 5 Diploma qualifications are designed to provide practical knowledge, skills, and competencies, and are academically recognized at a higher level. These qualifications are equivalent to:
Higher National Diplomas (HND):
The Level 5 Diploma is comparable to an HND, which focuses on practical, vocational skills in a specific field of study.
Year 2 of a UK Bachelor’s Degree:
The diploma is equivalent to the second year of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree program, offering advanced understanding and knowledge in a particular subject area.
Foundation Degrees:
The Level 5 qualification is also similar to a Foundation Degree, blending academic study with practical, work-related skills.
This means the OTHM Level 5 Diploma offers learners a solid foundation for further academic study or career advancement, providing the skills necessary to progress to Level 6 qualifications (such as a Bachelor’s degree) or move into senior roles within their profession.

Qualification structure

OTHM Level 5 Diploma qualifications are designed to provide practical knowledge, skills, and competencies. In academic terms, these qualifications are equivalent to:

Higher National Diplomas (HND), which focus on developing specialized, vocational skills.
Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree program, offering advanced-level knowledge and practical application in a specific field.

These qualifications serve as a strong foundation for both professional development and further academic progression.

Mandatory Units

Exploring Early Years Pedagogy and Best Practices
Understanding Child Behaviour: Theoretical Perspectives and Insights
Inclusion and Diversity: Supporting Children with Special Needs and Disabilities in Early Education
Safeguarding; Child Protection and Keeping Children Safe
Emerging Literacies in the Early Years and Digital Resources
Understanding Transitions in Early Childhood

Who is this Course For

The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education is ideal for individuals who want to advance their careers in the early years education sector or take on leadership roles. This course is designed for:
Current Early Years Professionals:
Teachers, practitioners, and support staff already working in early childhood education settings who want to enhance their skills and qualifications.
Aspiring Managers:
Individuals aiming to move into leadership or management positions such as nursery manager, early years coordinator, or children’s center manager.
Mature Learners (21+):
Those with relevant work experience in early childhood education who wish to formalize their qualifications and pursue higher-level roles.
Career Changers:
Individuals seeking to transition into early childhood education from other fields, especially those interested in becoming leaders or administrators within the sector.
Individuals with a Level 3 Qualification:
Learners who have completed a Level 3 qualification in early years education and are looking to further their studies and career.
Entrepreneurs and Business Owners:
Individuals planning to start their own early years education center or business who need a deeper understanding of child development, curriculum design, and management.
This course is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their expertise in early childhood education and move into higher responsibility roles in the sector.

Future Progression

Completing the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education opens a range of progression opportunities, both academically and professionally. Some of the key options include:
Progress to Level 6 or Level 7 Qualifications:After completing the Level 5 diploma, learners can move on to Level 6 or Level 7 qualifications in early childhood education or related fields, such as a Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Education Leadership, or Special Educational Needs (SEN).
Direct Entry into the Final Year of a UK Bachelor’s Degree:As the Level 5 Diploma is Ofqual-regulated, it allows for direct entry into the final year of a three-year UK Bachelor’s degree program in Early Childhood Education or similar fields.
Leadership and Management Roles:The Level 5 qualification equips learners with the skills to move into senior roles, such as nursery manager, early years supervisor, or children’s center coordinator.
Set Up Your Own Early Years Business:If you are an entrepreneur, this qualification provides you with the foundational knowledge needed to start and run an early childhood education center or daycare business.
Pursue Professional Development:Further professional certifications or training, such as SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) or Child Protection Officer, can be pursued to specialize in particular areas within early childhood education.
Completing this diploma not only enhances your career prospects but also offers a pathway to higher-level academic qualifications and more advanced roles in the sector.

The Qualification Process

Qualification Process for the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education

Eligibility Check and Application
- Ensure that you meet the entry requirements, including prior educational qualifications and relevant work experience in health and safety or a related field.
- Complete the application process through an approved OTHM training center, providing any necessary documentation and proof of qualifications.
Enrollment and Orientation
- Once accepted, enroll in the course and participate in an orientation session to understand course requirements, timelines, and assessment methods.
Course Study and Learning Activities
- Engage with six mandatory units that cover key areas of occupational health and safety management.
- Dedicate 1,200 hours of Total Qualification Time (TQT), including 600 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) through lectures, study materials, and interactive sessions.
Assessment and Evaluation
- Complete unit assessments, which may include assignments, case studies, reports, and practical projects, to demonstrate your understanding of course content.
- Assessments are reviewed and graded by the center and are externally verified by OTHM to ensure quality and rigor.
Certification
- Upon successful completion of all units and assessments, receive the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education
Future Progression
- With this diploma, pursue career advancement in health and safety management, apply for Chartered status, or consider further academic progression, such as a Master’s degree

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The OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education is a high-level qualification aimed at professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and advance their careers in early childhood education.

Entry requirements include a Level 3 qualification in early years education or an equivalent qualification. Mature learners (21+) with relevant work experience can also apply.

It is ideal for current early years professionals, aspiring managers, entrepreneurs, and those with relevant experience in childcare or education looking to formalize their skills.

Assessment is based on coursework and assignments that test your knowledge and practical application of early childhood education principles.

The course typically takes 6 to 18 months to complete, depending on the study method and learner’s pace.

Upon completion, you will receive the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education, an Ofqual-regulated qualification recognized by employers and academic institutions.

Topics include child development, curriculum planning, leadership and management in early years settings, working with families, and early years policies.

Most providers offer tutor support, study guides, and access to online learning platforms to help you succeed.

To enroll, you need to select an accredited provider offering the OTHM Level 5 Diploma in Early Childhood Education and follow their application process, which typically involves submitting proof of eligibility and completing registration forms.

The Global Training and Certification Service (TGTCS) Is Associate Training partner of Inspire College of Technologies (ICTQual UK) . TGTCS is offering all OTHM qualifications in association with ICTQual.