Holistic Baby & Child Care Level 3 Diploma in Integrative Early Childhood Pedagogy (EYE)

The Holistic Baby & Child Care Level 3 Diploma (EYE) is a comprehensive, internationally recognised qualification that prepares students to work confidently with children from birth to age five. Blending Steiner Waldorf early childhood education, the Pikler approach, and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), this programme offers a deeply respectful and relationship-based foundation for early years practice.

Through a mix of online learning, in-person study days in London, and two immersive residentials at Emerson College, students develop a grounded, holistic, and developmentally informed approach to care. The qualification is awarded by Crossfields Institute and meets the requirements of a full and relevant Level 3 Early Years Educator award.

This training supports personal growth, professional confidence, and the ability to create nurturing environments that honour the unique developmental needs of the young child.

This course is ideal for:

• Early Years practitioners seeking a full and relevant EYE qualification
• Childminders and home-based childcare providers
• Parent & Child group leaders
• Those working in Steiner Waldorf, outdoor, or holistic early childhood settings
• Individuals new to Steiner or Pikler practice who want a structured professional pathway
• International students seeking a blended, flexible early years qualification
• Anyone wishing to create calm, nurturing spaces for infants and young children

The blended design makes the programme accessible to students in the UK, EU, and internationally.

You will develop a strong, practical and reflective foundation in:

• Birth-to-five child development, drawing on Steiner Waldorf and Pikler principles
• Relationship-based, respectful care for infants and toddlers
• Creating nurturing indoor and outdoor environments that support free movement and self-initiated play
• Practical artistic activities including storytelling, singing, puppetry and homemaking
• Observation skills for understanding development and supporting wellbeing
• An integrated understanding of EYFS requirements
• Professional confidence in working with families, colleagues and wider early years communities

This course interweaves theory, practice, creativity and personal growth to support a deeply human-centred approach to early years care.

Dates
17 January 2026 – 24 May 2027

Format
Blended – online teaching, London study days, two residential stays at Emerson College

Online sessions

• Wednesdays 19:00 -21:00
• Saturdays 15:00–17:00

In-person components

• Four study days at Rudolf Steiner House, London
• Two residential stays at Emerson College

Professional placement

• Minimum 100 hours in an early year setting
• Placement guidance provided by Sam Greshoff

Attendance requirement

• Minimum 80% of all taught sessions

Suitable for

• UK, EU and international students
• Intermediate English required

Course Leader

• Dorothy Marlen

Core Tutors

• Sam Greshoff
• Tina Mass
• Syenna 

Guest Tutor

• Silvia Lauzzana

Applicants must:

• Be 18 years old or over
• Show evidence of Level 2 study or equivalent early years’ experience
• Have sufficient spoken and written English to participate fully
• Be willing to engage in reflective, self-directed learning
• Show a genuine interest in the care, development and wellbeing of young children

Both the Level 3 Diploma and the Quality Mark Certificate include a minimum 100-hour professional placement in a holistic early year’s environment.

We welcome applicants who demonstrate empathy, integrity, respect and a willingness to undertake personal development as part of their learning journey.

Course fees:

• Level 3 Diploma: £3,600
• Quality Mark Certificate: £3,250
• Certificate of Attendance: £2,950

Deposit: £500
Instalment options available.
Accommodation and meals for residential stays are booked separately.

Funding support:

• Emerson College bursary fund
• Rudolf Steiner Association
• Interest-free loans from the Godparents Anthroposophical Training Fund (GATF)

To apply for the Level 3 Diploma in Integrative Early Childhood Pedagogy, you will need to submit:

• A completed online application form
• Evidence of Level 2 qualification or equivalent (GCSEs, prior vocational training, or relevant professional experience)
• A short personal statement outlining your interest in holistic early childhood care
• Two references (professional or character)
• Proof of your ability to attend the required in-person residentials and London study days
• For international applicants: evidence of English proficiency, if applicable

Once your application is received, our Education department will contact you to arrange an informal interview.

For questions or support with your application, please contact: registrar@emerson.org.uk

Graduates receive a Crossfields Institute Level 3 Diploma in Integrative Early Childhood Pedagogy (EYE), enabling work as:

• Early Years Educator
• Childminder
• Parent & Child Group Leader
• Kindergarten or nursery assistant in Steiner and mainstream settings

This training provides a strong foundation for further professional development in holistic, Steiner Waldorf and birth-to-three education pathways.