Course Overview
On this course you will learn how to care for and support children and young adults.
Entry Requirements
New Students
Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English or maths. Once enrolled students will be asked to apply for an Enhanced DBS check before starting the course.*
Progressing students
Merit grade at Level 1. A satisfactory reference for attitude, behaviour, attendance and punctuality.
*The College reserves the right to ask for a school reference if required.
What the course covers
You will learn how to care for and support children up to the age of 8 both in the classroom and in a variety of child care settings. You will develop your knowledge of how children learn and develop through different stages, ways to help children learn and play, and how to plan and practise activities for children. In undertaking and completing this course you will also develop an appreciation for the resources and work required by childcare professionals and teachers in schools and childcare facilities. During this course you will undertake an additional cookery qualification to understand children’s nutritional requirements and develop skills to meet these needs.
Subjects covered:
- An introduction to working with children
- The developing child
- Safe, healthy and nurturing environments for children
- Children and play
- Communication and professional skills within childcare and education.
- 350 hours work experience
Learners also study GCSE in English and/or numeracy.
Fees and funding
Please note:
- Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, and are studying Further Education courses are not charged for course fees
- For more information about financial support, please click here.
Progression
Further education and training at Level 3, or begin your career in child care. There is a high demand for paid child care and on successful completion of this course you can consider becoming a Nursery Assistant, Preschool Assistant, Creche assistant, or Nanny.
Potential career routes in the Childcare industry:
- Childminder
- Children’s nurse
- Creche assistant
- Early years teacher
- Holiday childcare representative
- Hospital play specialist
- Learning & development
- Nanny
- Nursery assistant
- Nursery manager
- Paediatric nursing
- Playworker
- Primary school teaching
- Residential warden
- Special care baby unit assistant
- Special needs teaching assistant
- Teaching assistant
Duration
One year. You will spend 3 days in college and 2 days in work experience every week.