Please select how you would like to attend your Early Years course:
Title: Early Years
Pathway: Education & Childcare
Available Study Options:
Apprenticeship, Full Time, Part Time
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We offer childcare and education courses at Levels 2 and 3 which will provide you with the progression routes you need to work within this diverse sector.
Level 2 Full Time: You will gain the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, but in particular 0-5 years.
You will study subjects such as the role of the early years practitioner, how specific legislation fits within early years practice and supporting children's play and development.
As part of this course you will attend work placement two days per week which will provide you with practical, first-hand experience of the early years sector and help you develop your skills to become an Early Years Practitioner.
This is a knowledge and skills based qualification. You will complete coursework and undertake observations in your work placement setting.
Level 2 Part Time: You will study the Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner. The qualification will prepare you to work with children 0-5 years, with knowledge of children up to 7 years.
You will study subjects including child and young people's development, supporting children's play and development, promoting positive behaviour, supporting wellbeing and healthy lifestyles, equality and diversity, partnership working, safeguarding, legislation and health and safety.
You will attend College 3 hours a week and must have a minimum of 12 hours' placement a week in a suitable setting and have a DBS. A good standard of verbal and written English is also required to successfully complete the course. This course typically takes between 9-12 months to complete.
Level 3 Full Time - this qualification will prepare you to become an Early Years Educator. This will enable you to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years.
This qualification centres around four themes: health and wellbeing; legislation, frameworks and professional practice; play, development and learning for school readiness; professional development.
As part of the course you will attend work placement two days per week which will provide you with practical first-hand experience of what it takes to be an Early Years Practitioner. Throughout the course and whilst on placement, you will need to demonstrate competence in both knowledge and skills.
Level 3 Part Time: You will study the Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator). This qualification prepares you to become an Early Years Educator, enabling you to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5 to 7 years.
You will study subjects around four themes: health and wellbeing; legislation, frameworks and professional practice; play, development and learning for school readiness; professional development.
As part of the qualification you will need to complete a study involving observing, assessing and planning for children's needs over an extended period of time. You will attend College 3 hours a week and must have a minimum of 15 hours' placement a week in a suitable setting (you will ideally be employed) and have a DBS.
A good standard of verbal and written English is also required to successfully complete the course with learners also being required to either have or have achieved by the end of the course a Level 2 or equivalent in maths and English. This course typically takes 12-18 months to complete.
Level 4 Part Time: You will study the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner. This qualification is designed for experienced employed Level 3 Early Years Practitioners.
You will study subjects including: enabling children to learn; promoting health and wellbeing; special educational needs and working with families implementing change. You will attend College 3 hours per week and must be employed as a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner. This course typically takes 9 months to complete.
Level 2: the course is internally assessed using a range of methods, including observations within work placement, written assignments, a portfolio of evidence and professional discussions.
Level 3: there are several components to this qualification. All units are mandatory and are internally assessed using a range of methods, including direct observation within work placement, written assignments, a portfolio of evidence and professional discussions. You will also complete externally set assessments.
Level 3 Part Time: The course is internally assessed using a range of methods, including direct observation, written assignments, work products, portfolio of evidence and professional discussion. Your assessor/trainer/tutor is responsible for ensuring the evidence you provide meets the required standards through regular visits, contact and attendance in taught sessions.
Level 4 Part Time: The course is internally assessed using a range of methods, including written assignments, work products, reflective practice, portfolio of evidence and professional discussion. Your assessor/trainer/tutor is responsible for ensuring the evidence provided meets the required standards through regular visits, contact and attendance in taught sessions.
Successfully completing the Level 2 Full Time course is a stepping stone to the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification, or to our new and exciting T Level in Education and Childcare.
For students who wish to enter into employment, this qualification also provides you with a license to practice and will allow you to apply for Nursery Assistant, Classroom Assistant and Pre-school Assistant roles.
Successfully completing the Level 3 Full Time qualification will give you the license to practice and enter the workforce as Early Years Practitioner or progress to higher education.
There are a variety of higher education courses available to you, including, BA Early Childhood, BA Childhood and Youth Studies, and Primary Teaching.
If you're looking for employment, you can progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors, including day nursery practitioner, nursery school practitioner and pre-school worker.
Entry Level Courses:
Skills for Life & Work/Preparing for Adulthood
No formal qualifications are required
for this course.
These courses are specifically designed for learners with a Special Educational
Need (SEND).
Entry Level: Skills & Employability
No formal qualifications are required
for this course.
Full Time ESOL (English
for Speakers of Other Languages)
No formal qualifications are required for this course.
Full Time GCSE Re-sit Study
Course
GCSE Grade 2 or 3 in Maths and
English and / or Sciences.
Full Time Level 1 Course
No formal qualifications are required
for this course.
Full Time Level 2 Course
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or Vocational Level 1 in relevant subject area.
*GCSE Grade 4 or above in Maths is required for the courses below:
Accounting
Electrical
Plumbing
Full time Level 3 Course
5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English or Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English or Maths will be accepted).
OR
Vocational Level 2 plus Grade 4-9 GCSE English or Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 English or Maths will be accepted).
*A Vocational Level 2 is required for the following courses:
Accounting
All Construction Subjects
Hair & Beauty Subjects
Applied Science
T Levels
5 GCSEs at Grade 4-9 including English and Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths will be accepted).
* Health T Levels require GCSE Grade 4 in Science.
You can apply for this programme via the Apply Now button, at the top.
If this course area is available as an apprenticeship, this will show under 'Study Option' on the right-hand side, just below the Apply Now button. You can view all of our apprenticeship vacanices and subjects by clicking the 'Apprenticeships' in the top menu.
If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your course and are taking a course leading to a qualification, the tuition and exam fees are free. However, there may be some additional costs for optional trips, recommended text books and professional start up kits. We have a bursary scheme to assist with these costs.
It is important that you come along and speak to one of our staff about your choice/s.
Once we receive your application, you will be invited in to speak to a tutor or a member of the Apprenticeship team to discuss your application.
This will provide you with the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course/Apprenticeship and to see our facilities.
