If you’re caring, dedicated, and passionate about helping children thrive, a career in Childcare and Education could be your calling. From nursery and primary school teaching to childcare supervision, this growing sector offers a wide range of rewarding opportunities.
With the Government’s recent expansion of free childcare, there’s never been a better time to get started.
You’ll train in specialist classrooms using the latest resources, preparing you for hands-on work placements. Taught by experienced professionals, you’ll gain the skills and confidence to succeed, whether you aim to become a teacher, nursery nurse, or work in the wider care industry.
Childcare and Education Pathways Explained
Childcare and Early Years
Childcare and Early Years courses cover topics such as child development, play and learning, health and safety, safeguarding and communication with children and families.
You’ll gain hands-on experience through placements in nurseries, preschools, or primary school settings, helping you understand what it’s like to work in real-life environments.
These courses can lead to a wide range of careers. You could become a nursery practitioner, early years educator, teaching assistant or playworker. With further study, you might progress into roles such as a primary school teacher, child psychologist, or family support worker. There are also opportunities in special educational needs (SEN) support, children’s health and wellbeing, and early years management.
Our Childcare and Education courses
AIM Award in Principles of Special Educational Needs – Level 3
Education & Teaching
Adult Learner
|
16 weeks
AIM Awards
|
Age Group(19+)
Award in Education and Training (AET) – Level 3
Education & Teaching
Adult Learner
|
10 weeks
City & Guilds
|
Age Group(19+)
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Professional Studies (Top-up) – Full Time – Level 6
Childcare & Early Years
Higher Education
|
1 year
The Open University
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Professional Studies (Top-up) – Part Time – Level 6
Childcare & Early Years
Higher Education
|
2 years
The Open University
BA (Hons) Teaching and Learning (Top-Up) – Full Time – Level 6
Education & Teaching
Higher Education
|
1 year
The Open University
Certificate in Caring for Children and Young People – Level 1
Childcare & Early Years
School Leaver
|
1 year
NCFE CACHE
|
Age Group(16-18)
Certificate in Early Years Practitioner – Level 2
Childcare & Early Years
School Leaver
|
1 year
CACHE
|
Age Group(16-18)
Certificate in Education: Education and Training – Full Time – Level 5
Education & Teaching
Higher Education
|
1 year
The Open University
Certificate in Education: Education and Training – Full Time – Level 5
Education & Teaching
Higher Education
|
1 year
The Open University
Where your course can lead
“I’ve really enjoyed my work placement at Overfields Primary School and becoming a practitioner rather than a student. Once you get into a placement, it opens new opportunities and you can see exactly what the real world of working in education is life. Through my placement, I have gained a job role at Overfields as a 1:1 support teacher for a child with Autism.”
Millie Andrews
Working with top employers
