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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. 


Our courses range from Level 1 to Level 5 (university-level study), so you could progress right through to degree-level with us. Programmes include a mix of classroom learning, practical assessments, visits and placements. Level 3 full-time courses will lead to Early Years Educator status, which is the new gold standard for early years workers.

With the ever-growing and developing early years and education sectors, there are a variety of job opportunities available within the early years and education sectors.

At Nottingham College, we have the expertise and knowledge to fully equip our students to succeed in their future careers.

We have strong links in the industry both locally and nationally, so you can rest assured that you will be on the right path to your dream job after your study with us.

There are a vast number of career options in the industry – whether you would like to be a Breakfast or After School Club Worker, Children’s Representative/Holiday Creche Worker, Early Years Practitioner (EYP), Holiday Club Supervisor, Nanny, Nursery Assistant, Specialist One-To-One Child Support Worker, Teacher (after university-level study), Teaching Assistant – there are many choices available to you.

  • The average salary for Nursery Teacher jobs is £25,714 (starter) and £36,961 (experienced)
  • As a Primary and Nursery Education Teacher you could earn £25,714 (starter) to £41,604 (experienced)

You're viewing all 15 courses

Applied Education Studies BA (Hons) Degree (Level 6) - Full-time

This new degree programme is a great option for anyone who is interested in working in the education sector but may be unsure which career route they would like to take.

Children, Young People and Families Practitioner - Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4)

If you are looking to advance your career in social care, then this apprenticeship could be for you.

Early Years Educator - Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)

This apprenticeship develops the knowledge and skills relating to the Early Years Educator within a care and education setting.

Early Years Practitioner - Intermediate Apprenticeship (Level 2)

If you would like a career in early years and want to earn while you learn, then this apprenticeship could be for you.

Early Years Studies Foundation Degree (Level 5) - Part-time

This course is designed for people working in the early years’ sector and wish to progress to work as a senior practitioner or on to an early years’ teacher training course.

Introducing Caring for Children and Young People (TQUK Level 2 Certificate) (19+) - Online Learning

This qualification covers the responsibilities of being a parent and also covers the skills needed when babysitting

Introduction to Caring for Children (Level 1) - Full-time

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.

Principles of Internet Safety (CPD) - Online Learning

This course aims to increase awareness of e-safety and improve knowledge of the dangers online when using the internet.

Safeguarding Adults and Children (CPD) - Online Learning

This online course aims to give you the knowledge you need to understand the impact of and key issues surrounding the safeguarding of adults and children. This includes how to recognise, respond to and reduce the likelihood of abuse.

Supporting Teaching and Learning (NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma) - Part-time

This course is the next step on from the Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning and will support you to enhance your understanding and your professional practice in the classroom.

Supporting Teaching and Learning (NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate) - Part-time

If you find supporting children and young people learn in the classroom enjoyable and rewarding, this is the course for you.

Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Foundation Degree (Level 5) - Part-time

If you’re currently working in a school in Key Stage One or Two, this course will allow you to progress your career towards Qualified Teaching Status (QTS).

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

A T Level is a nationally-recognised qualification that is worth the same number of UCAS points as 3 A levels and accepted is by universities and includes a minimum working with an employer on an industry placement.

Teaching Assistant - Advanced Apprenticeship (Level 3)

If you would like to advance your career as a Teaching Assistant in Primary, Special and Secondary education this apprenticeship could be what you are looking for!

Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties (TQUK Level 2 Certificate) (19+) - Online Learning

This qualification aims to give you knowledge of different Specific Learning Difficulties, how they are diagnosed and how individuals can be supported.

Can’t find the course you’re looking for?