Entry Requirements:

For external applicants:

• Entry Level 3: No formal qualifications required 

• Level 1 Childcare: Three or more GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, including English and maths, or Functional Skills Level 1 English and maths 

• Level 2 Early Years Practitioner: Four or more GCSEs, including English at Grade 3 or above, or a relevant Level 1 Early Years qualification with English at Grade 3 or above 

• T Level: GCSE English and maths at Grade 4 or above. GCSE Science at Grade 4 or above is recommended for learners intending to progress into Primary Teaching routes 

For all levels, you will also be required to: 

• Attend an interview with a member of the teaching team 

• Demonstrate good attendance, punctuality and a positive attitude to learning 

• Show an interest in working with children and young people 

• Demonstrate suitable communication and interpersonal skills 

For internal progression learners (already studying with us):
Learners must be able to demonstrate that they:

• Have successfully completed a relevant course that naturally progresses onto this programme, achieving a good standard
• Have improved their English and maths grades since enrolment
• Have maintained good attendance and punctuality
• Show a consistently positive attitude to learning

What will I learn?

Depending on your chosen level, you may study: 

• Child growth and development 

• The role of the Early Years Practitioner 

• Supporting children’s learning and development 

• Children’s play and learning through play 

• Safeguarding, child protection and welfare 

• Health, safety and wellbeing 

• Equality, diversity and inclusion 

• Observation, assessment and planning 

• Communication with children, families and professionals 

• Preparing children for school 

• Supporting positive behaviour 

• Working in partnership with parents and carers 

• SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) 

• Understanding education and early years settings 

• Professional development and reflective practice 

What skills will I gain?

By studying an Early Years qualification you will: 

• Develop an understanding of child development and learning 

• Learn how to support children’s care, education and wellbeing 

• Develop safeguarding and child protection awareness 

• Build confidence working with children, families and professionals 

• Improve communication and teamwork skills 

• Develop planning, observation and assessment skills 

• Enhance organisation and time-management skills 

• Gain valuable workplace experience through placements 

• Develop transferable employability skills 

• Prepare for further study, apprenticeships or employment within the sector 

How will I be assessed?

During your course you may be assessed through: 

• Assignments and coursework 

• Project work 

• Presentations 

• Professional discussions 

• Workbooks and case studies 

• Practical observations in placement settings 

• Employer-set projects 

• External examinations (where required) 

Assessment methods will vary depending on the qualification and level studied. 

What can I do next?

Successful completion of the course will enable you to progress to: 

• A higher-level Early Years or Education qualification 

• An Early Years apprenticeship 

• Higher education study 

• Teacher training pathways 

• Employment within childcare and education settings 

Potential career areas include: 

• Early Years Practitioner 

• Early Years Educator 

• Teaching Assistant 

• Learning Support Assistant 

• Learning Mentor 

• Nursery Assistant 

• Nursery Practitioner 

• Family Support Worker 

• Education Technician 

• Student Engagement Officer 

• Primary Teaching (through further study) 

• Early Years Manager (through further qualifications and experience)