What constitutes a valid level 3 qualification?

[acorns]

I'm looking at various home study courses at the moment and am getting more confused by the minute from the choices. I have seen level 3 awards, certiicates & diplomas all taking different amounts of time to complete. What kind of level 3 do we need, if this is what will be required of all cm's in the future? I really want a course that can be completed in my own time with no deadlines & there are some interesting courses out there but how can i be sure it will really benefit me in the future e.g. if I want to provide early education places?

[onceinabluemoon]

I contacted my CDW about this earlier (and sent a link to a 'level 3 qualification' that somebody had linked to here a few days ago).

Her reply was to do with accreditation so may not be relevant to other things (but probably is). she said the course I linked to would not be acceptable as a level 3 qualification (eve though it clearly states it is one!) as it is all done by distance learning, none of the course is me being observed working with the children. In the smaller print, the course outline actually said "'The course provides a valuable route to the formal qualifications needed to work in the childcare sector' " which of course means as a qualification its worthless, although could possibly give you a good view into what is needed, some background work etc.

she could be wrong, but does seem to be quite on the ball (unlike my old CDW who was lovable but pretty rubbish...)

[acorns]

I've been trying to get hold of my CDO and emailed her with this question, but getting no response:( . I really hope that's not right as I can only study from home in my own time. I wonder if there's anyway we could do a distance learning level 3 and still have someone come to us to observe/assess us in practice?