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Make a Real Difference in Young Lives
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.
Teaching and Education
Courses in Education and Teaching cover topics such as child development, learning styles, classroom support, communication, and safeguarding. You’ll gain practical experience through placements in schools or early years settings, helping you understand how to support pupils and work alongside teachers.
There are a variety of career opportunities in this field. You could become a teaching assistant, supporting pupils with their learning in primary or secondary schools. With further study, you could train to become a primary or secondary school teacher, specialising in subjects you’re passionate about. Other roles include learning mentors or special educational needs (SEN) support staff.
Our Childcare and Education courses
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
BA (Hons) Teaching and Learning (Top-up) – Part Time – Level 6
Education & Teaching
Higher Education
|
2 years
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 Education: Education and Training – Full Time – Level 5
Education & Teaching
Higher Education
|
1 year
The Open University
Certificate in Education: Education and Training – Part Time – Level 5
Education & Teaching
Higher Education
|
2 years
The Open University
Childcare and Early Years Skills Bootcamp – Level 3
Skills Bootcamps
Adult Learner
|
16 weeks
NCFE CACHE
|
Age Group:
(19+)
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
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