Early Years and Education

If you want to work with children in an early years or education setting, these courses will help you to get a head start in this rewarding sector. 

Whether you want to work in a nursery or Children’s Centre, become a nanny, or maybe a teaching assistant in a school, having a recognised qualification will be essential. 

Our courses range from Level 1 to Level 5 (university-level study) so you could progress right through to degree-level with us. You’ll be based in our brand new City Hub and programmes include a mix of classroom learning, practical assessments, visits and placements. 

Level 3 courses will lead to early years educator status, which is the ​‘gold standard’ for the early years workforce. These courses also contain an extended work placement.

Most courses include work experience, and we have extensive links with local schools and nurseries. You can also study early years courses through an apprenticeship route in the workplace. 

After you complete your qualification you could apply for a job in industry or progress to our foundation degrees in early years studies or supporting teaching and learning in schools.

You can download a course or apprenticeship guide here.

DBS Check

Our Level 2 and 3 students and some Level 1 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. 

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. 

Please do your best to have the ID ready before you start your course.