Delivered in association with
Delivered in association with Coram Pacey, the Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare is a CACHE-accredited and Ofsted-recognised qualification designed for learners looking to begin a career in home-based childcare.
This course is ideal for those aged 16+ who want to become a childminder, childminding assistant, nanny or au pair, or for those looking to set up their own childcare provision from home.
Learners can choose between two study routes — Childminder or Nanny — allowing learners to tailor their learning to their career goals within home-based childcare.
Delivered fully online over approximately 4 to 12 weeks, this flexible qualification allows learners to study at their own pace alongside other commitments, with no placement required.
This course costs £294 including VAT, and as part of this, learners will also receive a full three-month Coram Pacey membership which comes with additional benefits.
Entry Requirements
Certifications & More
Course Benefits
What will I learn?
The Coram Pacey Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare includes a mandatory unit followed by a choice of specialist pathway, depending on your career goals. The mandatory unit covers essential knowledge for safe and effective home-based childcare, including legislation, safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, and daily care routines.
After this, learners choose either the Childminder route, focused on setting up a home-based childcare business, or the Nanny route, focused on working in a family home supporting children’s care and development.
The course is supported by online resources, workplans, and webinars to help learners progress flexibly.
Membership benefits
When you study the HBCA course with The Childcare Company, you’ll receive three months’ free PACEY membership as part of your enrolment.
This gives you access to a range of member benefits, resources and guidance to support your learning and development throughout the course, as well as practical tools to help you prepare for setting up your own childminding business.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Coram Pacey level 3 award in preparing to work in home-based childcare is a CACHE-accredited, Ofsted-recognised Level 3 qualification designed to prepare you for working in home-based childcare. Whether you want to become a childminder, nanny, or childcare assistant, the course builds your knowledge of caring for children and running a home-based childcare setting, including setting up your own business or looking after a child in their home.
If you are looking to start or progress a career in home-based childcare, this course is a great fit. It is ideal for aspiring childminders, nannies, or anyone wanting to build skills in this area. Employers may also find it valuable for staff development in early years and childcare roles.
This is a knowledge-only qualification; therefore, no placement in a real work environment is required, and you do not need to be employed to enrol on this course.
You will cover essential topics such as safeguarding, health and safety, child development, and working in partnership with families. You will also choose a pathway – childminder or nanny – focusing on either setting up a childcare business or understanding the role and responsibilities of working in a family home.
You will have access to 24/7 pre-recorded teaching to support all areas of your learning and work plans, along with embedded links for independent research. You will also be able to book 1:1 support sessions with your development coach throughout the programme. In addition, your PACEY membership provides further support, resources and CPD opportunities to enhance your professional development.
No prior experience is required. This is a knowledge-based qualification, so you don’t need to be working in childcare or complete a placement. It is designed to support both beginners and those already working in the sector who want to formalise their knowledge.
The course typically takes between four to 12 weeks to complete, depending on your pace and availability. As it is fully online, you can study flexibly and fit learning around your work or personal commitments.
The course costs £294 including VAT. This includes full access to the programme, support from a Development Coach, and a 3-month Coram PACEY membership, along with additional benefits and discounts on related training.
To continue the course, you have the option of paying £25.00 per week for each week thereafter, up to a maximum of three months.
Certificates are received within 8 weeks and will be sent electronically
No, this is a permanent qualification.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide refunds.
If you need to stop or pause your course due to a personal or work circumstance, you can pause this up to 4 weeks without incurring any further fees.
