Skip to the main content
Go to the search page

Key details

Course area
Early Years and Education
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 1
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Course code
Parent course code:C021662 Child course code: Q021678
Apply now

Course introduction

This course is perfect if you like working with children, want to pursue a career in Early Years and are looking to gain the skills to achieve this. 

You’ll learn about the growth and development of young children, job roles within Early Years and how to provide activities to help children develop. You’ll also gain personal learning skills, an awareness of equality, health and safety, and communication.

You can expect to receive great tuition and support throughout the course, which will include a variety of coursework and case studies.

The College’s fantastic industry links mean that you will benefit from plenty of contact with industry professionals, giving you a real insight into the sector and what to expect as you progress through your training.

You will also do 30 hours of industry activities and 30 hours of enrichment activities over the year.

Course information

1 year

NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Caring for Children

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 3–1 (D–G), including English Language and Maths at grades 3–1 (D–G) or a relevant Entry 3 vocational qualification. 

During the course you will work through case studies and coursework.

You could progress to a Level 2 Apprenticeship or T Level in Education and Early Years.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Some students will complete a placement in a nursery or a school and in order to do this you will need to have a DBS which shows that you are safe to work with children for which there is a cost of £21.50. All students will be required to pay and obtain a volunteer DBS.

To receive a DBS Certificate, you will need to complete an application (we will help you with this, don’t worry) and you need to provide identification.

You will need two of the following:

  • Passport
  • Birth certificate
  • Full or provisional driving licence

You will also need to provide us with your proof of address that is on a bank statement or a benefit letter with your name on it.

You will be required to do this once you have been enrolled

Beth on Early Years
Ella on Early Years

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Early Education and Childcare Assistants

Potential Earnings

£27,401.28

Average Earnings

£18,353.98

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Health, Social and Child Care Services

People in these occupations provide care and support services for children, healthcare patients, and the elderly, and administrate social programmes.

Skills

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

Education and Care of Young Children (Entry Level Foundation Certificate) (16-18) - Full-time

T Level in Education and Early Years (Level 3) (16-18) - Full-time