Childcare

Whether you're a school leaver or an adult looking to retrain, build the practical skills and professional knowledge employers look for in our childcare simulation room and on-site nursery. 

Childcare overview 

With the government expanding funded childcare hours and offering a £1,000 incentive for new early years workers, thousands of new roles are being created across the UK. 

Childcare is a sector full of opportunity – from early years settings and schools to health, community and family-support services.

Choose from full-time Health & Social Care programmes for 16–18s including T Levels or Access to HE, part-time and flexible learning courses for adults.

View all Childcare courses by visiting the course finder.

What you'll study

Your course will help you build a strong, practical understanding of how to support children and young people. Depending on your level, you'll explore: 

• child development and learning
• behaviour, play and communication
• safeguarding and wellbeing
• working with babies, toddlers and young children
• supporting learning in early years and school settings
• building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
• professional practice in real early years or school environments

Level 2 and Level 3 students gain a licence to practise, giving you recognised status to work in early years settings or as a teaching assistant. 

Our childcare facilities

You'll learn in facilities designed to reflect real work environments, including: 

• a fully equipped childcare simulation room
• a lecture theatre designed for early years training
• a simulated nursery space connected to our on-site nursery, Positive Steps, where you can observe children at play
• access to our care simulation ward for understanding cross-sector roles (including health and SEND)

Our specialist learning spaces help you build confidence by practising skills in a supported environment. 

Learning beyond the classroom

As part of your studies, you'll take part in: 

• work placements in nurseries, schools or early years settings
• educational trips and enrichment activities
• workshops with visiting professionals from early years, education and SEND services
• talks about careers including teaching, support work, childcare leadership and specialist roles
• one-to-one tutor support and specialist careers advice

These experiences help you understand how the sector works and what opportunities might suit you best.

Where it could lead

Demand for trained early years professionals is rising rapidly. Students often move into full-time employment straight after their placement experience. 

Fees & funding

Course fees vary by level. Full-time courses are free for 16 to 18-year-olds. Adult students may also be eligible for funding depending on circumstances. 

To find out more, check our Course Fees & Funding page.