Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education
SwissUK™ Dual Qualification
Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education
The Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education is developed under the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and officially recognized by the UK Government under qualification code 610/4867/7. Aligned with RQF Level 5, this qualification reflects learners’ capability to operate autonomously, evaluate and design solutions, and apply management practices across a variety of business contexts.
The SwissUK Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education is the first programme integrating the National Competency Framework for the Learning and Skills Teacher (average salary £40,067/year) and combining the excellence of Swiss private education with the UK RQF system recognised by Ofqual (UK Government).
By merging national competencies, a Swiss Private degree, and a UK-recognised qualification, SwissUK ensures graduates are fully prepared for any pathway. With annual national qualification awards, students can start working from their first year, reducing risks and supporting their study costs.
Swiss Made. UK Government Recognised.
Qualifications
- Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Education from SIMI Swiss
- Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education awarded by OTHM (recognised by Ofqual, UK Government)
Promotion
Delivery
Awarding
- Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI)
- OTHM (Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body)
Recognised in the United Kingdom
The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma is regulated by Ofqual (UK Government) and recognised as equivalent to a UK Bachelor’s Degree level.
UK ENIC Band
The Advanced Diploma is aligned with RQF Level 5 and has been assessed by UK ENIC as comparable to Band 8 within the UK qualification framework.
Recognised in Switzerland
Advanced Diploma graduates from SIMI Swiss can work in Switzerland immediately, as managerial roles are considered non-regulated occupations.
National Occupational Standards
Advanced Diploma Dual Qualification aligned with the Learning and Skills Teacher framework — leading to Learning and Skills Teacher status with a UK median salary of £40,067 per year.
Recognised internationally
Recognised under the UK RQF Level 5 framework, the Advanced Diploma Dual Qualification is widely accepted as comparable to a Bachelor’s degree in more than 180 countries and territories.
Quickly Learn a New Major
With its unique structure combining a UK-recognised qualification and Swiss private higher-education excellence, learners can switch majors quickly without starting over.
Programme Details
The Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education program includes 12 specialised modules.
Year 1 Modules
- Academic Writing and Research Skills (20 UK Credits)
- Nurturing Growth and Development in Early Childhood (20 UK Credits)
- Fostering Collaborative and Inclusive Relationships in Early Childhood Setting (20 UK Credits)
- Learning and Development Through Play (20 UK Credits)
- Unlocking Words: Exploring Early Language and Communication (20 UK Credits)
- Early Personal, Social and Emotional Development (20 UK Credits)
Year 2 Modules
- Exploring Early Years Pedagogy and Best Practices (20 UK Credits)
- Understanding Child Behaviour: Theoretical Perspectives and Insights (20 UK Credits)
- Inclusion and Diversity: Supporting Children with Special Needs and Disabilities in Early Education (20 UK Credits)
- Safeguarding; Child Protection and Keeping Children Safe (20 UK Credits)
- Emerging Literacies in the Early Years and Digital Resources (20 UK Credits)
- Understanding Transitions in Early Childhood (20 UK Credits)
Upon graduation, students will receive:
- Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education from OTHM (UK government-recognized, equivalent to a Diploma of Higher Education in the UK ENIC/NARIC Band 8).
- Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Early Childhood Education from SIMI Swiss.
- The program is designed for applicants who have completed high school or an equivalent qualification.
- English proficiency must be at least at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) level B2 or IELTS 5.5
The programme is delivered through a real-time online Live Class model, where learners study and interact directly with SIMI Swiss lecturers via a live training platform.
It follows the SIMI Swiss Direct™ model — meaning learners study directly with SIMI Swiss, without any partnerships, franchising, or intermediaries. This ensures full access to the original programme content, without modification, while eliminating third-party risks and issues related to unauthorised local training.
Accredited & Recognized
- Strong dual recognition: Swiss Private Degree + UK National Qualification
- Easier employability in Switzerland and the UK in management fields.
- Global recognition through compatibility between RQF/EQF frameworks and other national qualification systems. See more HERE
- Competency Standard – Learning and Skills Teacher (UK): Easily demonstrate professional competence and suitability for early childhood education roles, with an average salary of £40,067/year. See more HERE
- Expanded opportunities for Bachelor’s-level study internationally(*)
(*)All qualification recognitions, top-ups, or transfers under the Swiss and UK education systems are subject to the specific policies of the receiving institution or relevant authority — verification should be conducted in advance where applicable.
About the Swiss Information and Management Institute (SIMI Swiss)
SIMI Swiss is a SwissUK™ Higher Education Institute that unites the excellence of Swiss Private Higher Education with the nationally recognised qualification framework of the United Kingdom Government, regulated by Ofqual (UK.Gov). SIMI Swiss holds full international accreditation and awards dual qualifications, combining a Swiss Private Degree with a nationally recognised qualification from the United Kingdom, upholding globally recognised academic standards.
References:
About the Ofqual UK.Gov Awarding Body OTHM:
- Recognized as an organization by the educational authority of the United Kingdom, Ofqual (UK.Gov). Recognition Number: RN5284. Refer to the recognition information CLICK HERE
- OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education is accredited with the Ofqual UK.Gov code 610/4867/7. Refer to the accreditation information CLICK HERE
Reference:
- Guidelines of how to check the recognition of OTHM: CLICK HERE
The Level 5 Extended Diploma in Early Childhood Education from SwissUK™ is an integrated program aligned with the U.K. National Occupational Standards for the Learning and Skills Teacher (see more HERE), officially recognized by the U.K. government. This integration not only allows learners to earn a government-recognized Level 5 qualification, but also equips them with practical and career-ready skills.
- Learn the competencies employers value: Beyond theory, students develop comprehensive KSBs (Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviors) based on U.K. professional standards.
- Easily demonstrate competence in the workplace: Each learning outcome (L.O.) is aligned with professional criteria, allowing employers to assess and trust a candidate’s ability from the very first interview.
- Gain early access to management roles: Standardized at diploma-level professional competence, the program prepares learners for entry-level leadership and supervisory roles in early childhood settings.
- Achieve globally competitive income: The Learning and Skills Teacher competency standard offers an average salary of £40,067 per year in the United Kingdom.
- Internationally recognized professional profile: The competency framework is applied by multinational corporations, facilitating cross-border career mobility.
- Reduced risk of unemployment or career mismatch: Learners can enter the workforce immediately through an early national qualification pathway.
Key advantage over traditional Level 5 Diploma programs: While many graduates struggle to find direction after completing their studies, SwissUK™ students graduate with clearly defined professional competencies and the ability to demonstrate them confidently to employers.