Starting out and studying level 3 too much?

[natlou82]

Hiya I'm pre reg at the mo, just awaiting my visit! But when I start I would like to also like to do the level 3 course. I've seen the 24+ loan which would be great for me so I'm eager to get started as soon as possible. Do you think it's a good idea to start straight away or would you wait until the business is more established? Don't want to end up stressed because I've taken on too much?

[Kiddleywinks]

I started my level 3 once I had my first parent signed up.
I think if I'd waited, I wouldn't have found the time to do it as well as working full time and running my home - I did struggle a little with time management :laughing: (still do but shh lol)

[natlou82]

Thank you I was thinking along that line as I may not get much time when I've got more children x How long does it roughly take to complete?

[Kiddleywinks]

It's up to you, your assessor visits/expectations, and how much free time you manage to find :laughing:

My assessor came out at least once a month, sometimes twice, so I managed to get it done in about 9 months, but I was finding it harder going towards the end due to working full time.
Some of the assignments 'double up' though which helped - information from one unit can be used in another - and I used my CYPOP5 towards it too (saved me having to do it all again)

I spent a lot of late evenings researching, which was fine for me - single parent so no partner distractions ;) and had a LO than arrived at 6am and went straight to bed till 9 or 10am, so tried to do my coursework then.

I think the aim is to have it completed within 12 or 18 months, so it's doable, but you will have to be strict with yourself :thumbsup:

[natlou82]

Thanks for that, really helpful. Think I'm going to go for it then :) xx

[Kiddleywinks]

Good luck :thumbsup:

[shortstuff]

I started my level 3 6 months after starting up. I am finding it a juggle with a ds7 to think of too. But that is mostly down to motivation to be honest.

Im sure if you schedule in your study time you will be fine x

[natlou82]

Thankyou x

[WibbleWobble]

I started a level 4 equivalent course (E100 module with the ou) three months after starting minding. Never done any child related courses before.

4 years later I am 4 years into my six year degree!

Time flies when you are having fun!

Wibble xxx

[Tulip]

Well done wibble wobble :)
This is a good post as I have just registered and would like to do level 3. I too also worry about taking too much on.
I'm really busy at the moment looking at the Rag rating Cpd and SEF. It looks like I might be getting my first under 5 soon as well and will need to get into the swing of EYFS and charting starting points, next steps etc then hopefully I will feel ready for level 3.
It would be handy if there was some free funding about as the new tax year starts but won't hold my breath!

[The Juggler]

i started mine straight after doing my ICP course. I took year and half to do it as it was (back then) done in 3 stages. I'd go for it if I were you!

[natlou82]

It's all very positive it's definately made my mind up that starting early is the right thing to do x

[bunyip]

I didn't realise you could start level 3 immediately after registration. Our trainers wouldn't take anyone onto the course until they had at least 6 months experience in an EY setting. But that could be something to do with the funding package rather than the course entry requirements iyswim.

Having had a bit of experience, I found the course was more of a frustrating box-ticking exercise than a learning experience. I might've found it more useful if I'd been able to do it a lot earlier. :(

[Emra81]

I thought the same as bunyip....spoke to Parenta recently and they said at least 6 months experience of eyfs, preferably more like a year so are going to get back in touch in a few months...

[Mrsh3103]

I started mine 3 weeks after I started minding. So glad I started straight away :) I only had 1 ey child so plenty of time to study. Now I'm half way through and I'm completely full so struggling to find the time to fit it in. At least I got most of the way before I was completely run off my feet and I find that because I've already started I make the time to do it.

[natlou82]

Who are you doing your training with?

[Rick]

I did my Level 3, 6 months after I started and to be honest I'm glad I did because a lot of what you need to write is based on your practice and evidence you collect from working day to day. I had to wait till then anyway so I could access my LA part funding from last April (new tax year). I have literally this evening finished my last piece of coursework!

I was working full time, just had a baby (not myself of course), started my Level 3 and become a moderator on here at the same time so yes it is possible!

[natlou82]

You've done really well to complete it so quickly x To be honest I just can't wait to get my registration done and get started, I'm so excited for this new adventure so my motivation is sky high which I think could really benefit if I started as soon as I've got my first early years child. But I can see the benefit of becoming confident in what I'm doing. Thanks for all the feedback it's really helpful x

[samb]

There's a deal on "wowcher" at the moment - £99 instead of £274 for eyfs course level 3 from my distance learning college. Don't know anything about it but saw it when I flicking through earlier and thought it may be of help to someone.

[Rick]

There's a deal on "wowcher" at the moment - £99 instead of £274 for eyfs course level 3 from my distance learning college. Don't know anything about it but saw it when I flicking through earlier and thought it may be of help to someone.

Is that the right one? They are normally a grand or more :confused:

[samb]

If someone was interested I would of course suggest to look into it before just purchasing- just thought it was worth posting if anyone wanted to look into it