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Childcare

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

Studying Childcare will give you extensive knowledge of the development of babies and young children. Students will gain an understanding of the stages and sequences of brain development, physical development and social skills, with classes delivered by staff who are experts from the childcare sector. 

WHAT WILL I DO?

The course includes up to 750 hours of placement, enabling you to work with babies and children within primary schools, nurseries and with childminders. You will gain an introduction to child development from conception to seven years; children’s health and well-being and providing safe environments for children.

WHAT WILL I DO NEXT?

Progress to university, including the Higher National Certificate/Diploma inEarly Years Education at University Centre Harlow. Jobs in the sector include primary school teacher, nursery manager, SENCO worker, teaching assistant and council support officer. You could study an Apprenticeship in a related subject.

Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Level 3

This occupation is found in a range of maintained and private, voluntary, and independent settings such as full day care, children's centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, home based provision, hospitals, social care settings, out of school environments, and local authority provision.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide high quality early education and care to children. Through an evidence-based approach, they provide opportunities and learning experiences for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Early years educators follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements set by government for the learning, development, and care of children from birth to 5 in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 2

This occupation encompasses various private and public settings, such as day care, children’s centres, and hospitals, focusing on delivering the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) requirements for children from birth to five years. The role involves directly engaging with children to support planning and delivering activities, purposeful play, and educational programmes. An Early Years Practitioner (EYP) works as part of a professional team, ensuring children's welfare and care under the supervision of an Early Years Educator or qualified professional.

Early Years Practitioner Diploma Level 2

This course will provide you with a good knowledge of the development of babies and young children. You will gain an understanding of the stages and sequences of brain development, physical development and social skills. There is an opportunity to progress onto Level 3, (with the relevant GCSE's) or work as a qualified level 2 practitioner.

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Early Years Practitioner Diploma – Adult Course Level 2

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.

A good level of English and maths is recommended. If you wish to improve your skills in these areas, you may have the opportunity to take a Functional Skills course alongside this qualification.

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Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children and Young Peoples Settings

The course provides you with the basic knowledge to progress on to higher level programmes or out into the sector. You will have work experience within the sector that will draw on your theoretical knowledge and allow you to understand the sector and explore the variety of job roles within the sector.

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Learning and Skills Teacher Apprenticeship

This occupation is prevalent across all areas of the Further Education and Skills Sector (FES), primarily in settings for students aged 16 and above, though some teachers may work with 14- to 16-year-olds in alternative provisions. Most Further Education, Learning and Skills Teachers are employed in FE colleges (both general and specialist), independent training providers (ITPs), Adult Community Learning (ACL) providers, or offender learning settings, with a few serving as trainers in large organisations. Teaching encompasses a range of levels, typically up to Level 3, including academic, vocational, and technical education, with some teachers delivering subjects up to postgraduate level across various sectors. Many Learning and Skills Teachers are dual professionals, leveraging their technical, vocational, and academic expertise to enhance the learning experience. The broad purpose of this role is to ensure students acquire the knowledge, skills, and behaviours necessary for success. Learning and Skills Teachers achieve this by planning and delivering relevant, comprehensive, and challenging lessons that inspire student engagement and foster progression.

Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools – Adult Course Level 2

The Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning has been designed to provide learners with an understanding of the knowledge and skills needed when working directly with children and young people in school or college environments. It covers a wide range of areas including children and young people’s development, supporting children and young people’s positive behaviour and communication and professional relationships.It’s aimed at learners working in roles that support pupils’ learning in primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges.

To successfully complete this qualification, you must be employed, volunteering, or undertaking a practical placement in a real work environment (RWE) to undertake a minimum of 100 hours work experience. 

A good level of English and maths is recommended. If you wish to improve your skills in these areas, you may have the opportunity to take a Functional Skills course alongside this qualification.

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Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools – Adult Course Level 3

Possible Funding Options

See the possible funding options below which will tell you if this course may be free or part-funded. Part-funded means you only pay for part of the course.

The fees advertised on this page were last updated on 01/10/2025. Please note that all prices are subject to change and may not reflect our current, official rates. Contact Us or call our Admissions Team 01279 868100 to get the most up-to-date info on fees and the financial support that may be available to you.

This qualification provides learners with an understanding of the knowledge needed when working directly with children and young people in a school or college environment. It will enable learners to gain an understanding of elements including children and young people’s development and safeguarding their welfare. 

This qualification is ideal for those who are interested in working as a teaching assistant or a learning support assistant.

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.

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T Level Education and Early Years (Early Years Educator)

T Levels are designed to deliver world-class technical education and give you a new choice after GCSEs. The Education and Childcare T level has been designed with leading businesses and employers in the sector and gives you: 

  • A thorough understanding of concepts and theories of the education and childcare sector.
  • The opportunity to solve real life problems in the education and childcare sector.
  • Valuable experience of learning from the experts through working side by side with those in the education and childcare sector on your industry placement so that you have the chance to learn what this career is like in the real world while you continue your studies.  
  • Specialist knowledge and skills relating to either early years or supporting and mentoring students in further and higher education 

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Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

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.

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Funding Your Course

If you're aged 19 or over and you want to study an Access to Higher Education Diploma, or a Level 3 to 6 Vocational Qualification, you could be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan.