Childcare (Early Years)
If you are passionate about supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing, this qualification provides an excellent introduction to a rewarding career in the childcare sector. Recognised by employers across the industry, it equips you with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to begin your career as an Early Years Practitioner or Nursery Assistant, as well as providing a strong foundation for further study.
Childcare has been delivered at Craven College by experienced industry professionals for over 25 years. Our teaching team brings a wealth of expertise from a variety of settings, including nurseries, schools, hospitals, special educational needs provision, childminding and neonatal care, ensuring that your learning is informed by current industry practice.
Work experience is a vital part of your programme and gives you the opportunity to apply your learning in real childcare environments. We arrange placements on your behalf through our extensive network of employers across the region, including settings in Skipton, Clitheroe, Shipley, Leeds and Bradford. These placements allow you to develop your confidence, gain valuable practical skills and build professional relationships within the sector.
Throughout the course, you will develop the personal and professional qualities needed to work successfully with children and their families. You will enhance your communication skills, creativity, patience and understanding of child development, while learning how to support children in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.
Following successful completion of the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification, you will be awarded a Licence to Practise, enabling you to seek employment in nurseries, preschools, children’s centres and other early years settings. You may also choose to progress to an Education & Childcare – Early Years Educator Level 3 T Level programme, further expanding your skills and career opportunities.
A career in childcare can lead to a wide range of rewarding roles. Former Craven College students have progressed into careers as Early Years Practitioners, Teaching Assistants, Nannies, Childminders, Play Leaders and Children’s Representatives, while others have advanced into supervisory and management positions within the sector.
Entry Requirements
- Level 2 – 4 GCSEs grade 9-4 or equivalent, including English Language & maths GCSEs grades 9-3, plus clear Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check
Information
You may also have the opportunity to study GCSE Biology as part of your programme, enabling you to gain an additional qualification that supports your future progression and career goals.
What you will study
- Roles and responsibilities of the early years practitioner
- Health and safety of babies and young children in early years
- Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in early years setting
- Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in early years
- Understand how to support children’s development
- Support care routines for babies and children
- Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes
- Promote play in early years setting
- Support the wellbeing of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
- Support babies and young children to be physically active
- Support the needs of babies and young children with special educational needs and disability
- Promote positive behaviour in early years
- Partnership working in early years
- Support the needs of the child in preparing for school
What's Next?
Further Study
- Education & Childcare – Early Years Educator T Level
- Apprenticeship
Careers
- Nursery supervisor
- Classroom Assistant
- Nanny
- Childminder
- Teacher Training (primary)
- Care worker
- Community worker
- Youth support assistant
