The Diploma in First Line Management and Leadership is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Learners study with the college part-time and complete work-based assessments as part of the course. This qualification is suitable for those who are, or are aiming to become, team leaders and / or supervisors. This includes individuals who are at the start of their career and who want to become team leaders / supervisors as well as those aspiring or existing managers who may already have developed practical experience but are seeking to develop their management and leadership capabilities. 

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons, referred to as Online and On Campus.

Classroom attendance is every other week.

You can choose to study this course at a location and time that best suits you:

Start date: 12 October 2026

Day time classes at Harlow College

Mondays

Start date: 14 October 2026

Evening classes at Stansted Airport College

Wednesdays

Study method – Online and On Campus

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our flexible Online and On Campus model. 

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer – meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. Lessons are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life Downloadable lesson materials, practice and scenario-based questions with model responses and practical exercises and case studies all help to consolidate knowledge and enhance the learning experience further. 

Learners should expect to spend around 3-4 hours studying independently online each week. 

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group.

The Diploma in Management and Leadership is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). Learners study at college part-time and complete work-based projects as part of the course. This qualification is ideal for those who are, or who wish to become, Operational or Departmental Managers, or existing managers who have practical management skills, but wish to develop their theoretical understanding further.

This flexible course is delivered in partnership with Mindful Education, and combines online learning with face-to-face lessons, referred to as Online and On Campus.

Classroom attendance is fortnightly

Start date: 13/01/2027

Day time classes at Harlow College

Wednesdays

Study method – Online and On Campus

We have partnered with Mindful Education to deliver this course through our flexible Online and On Campus model. 

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer – meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. Lessons are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life Downloadable lesson materials, practice and scenario-based questions with model responses and practical exercises and case studies all help to consolidate knowledge and enhance the learning experience further. 

Learners should expect to spend around 3-4 hours studying independently online each week. 

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group.

The Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) prepares learners to become Early Years Educators, enabling them to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years. Upon achievement of this qualification it is intended that learners will be able to enter the workforce as Early Years Educators. Learners can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:

• Assistant in Children's Centres
• Practitioner in nursery schools
• Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
• Pre-school worker

We have structured the units around three themes:• Theme 1: Health and well-being
• Theme 2: Legislation, frameworks and professional practice
• Theme 3: Play, development and learning for school readiness

This course provides learners with the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded professionals from a variety of early years settings, exchange experiences, and share best practices.

To successfully complete this qualification, you must be employed, volunteering, or undertaking a practical placement in a real work environment (RWE) for a minimum of 16 hours per week, allowing you to demonstrate both knowledge and skill competency.

This one-year qualification is designed to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to six years old, with a focus on applied knowledge for early years, specifically from 0 to 4 years.

The course content aligns with the Department for Education's (DfE) Level 2 criteria, ensuring it meets the requirements for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the workforce.

The course is structured over one year, with one morning per week spent in college and a minimum of 16 hours in an Early Years setting. During the course, you will study topics such as:

• The roles and responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner
• Health and safety for babies and young children in the early years
• Promoting equality, diversity, and inclusive practices in Early Years settings

To successfully complete this qualification, you must be employed, volunteering, or undertaking a practical placement in a real work environment (RWE), allowing you to demonstrate both knowledge and skill competency.

Functional Skills qualifications are designed to support you as you seek to improve your literacy skills and provide you with the fundamental knowledge required for everyday life. Achieving an English qualification will increase your confidence and motivation and the skills gained will aid you in the workplace or any further learning.

Functional Skills qualifications are designed to support you as you seek to improve your numeracy skills and provide you with the fundamental knowledge required for everyday life. Achieving a maths qualification will increase your confidence and motivation and the skills gained will aid you in the workplace or any further learning.