Working with young children in a childcare setting
Course aims
These qualifications will help you to develop knowledge of how to support the development of young children. They can prepare you to become Early Years Educators enabling you to work with children from birth to age 5 years.
What could these courses lead to?
Job roles include:
- Practitioner in day nurseries.
- Practitioner in nursery schools
- Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
- Pre-school worker
Course details
Working with Children - Entry 3
Course length
70 hours – usually 14 weekly sessions of 5 hours
Learners will spend the first 2 weeks completing a free separate short course (10 hours) in preparing for placement. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and to provide an overview of what to expect when working in schools. Successful learners then progress to. the main course.
Who is this course for?
This qualification is for those who wish to discover more about this type of work and who may have no previous experience of working with children. It is also suitable for learners who need to gain literacy and numeracy qualifications before progressing onto higher level childcare courses.
Entry requirements
Learners must be at least 19 years old. You must have English and maths at Entry 3 or above.
Course content
You will learn about:
- The sequence of growth and development from birth to old age
- The role adults play in the development of children’s communication
- Resources to support storytelling and children’s communication development
- The safe preparation and storage of food
You will also be supported in the further development of your English and maths skills.
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain an Ascentis Entry 3 Certificate in Progression.
Working with Children - Level 1
Course length
125 hours – usually 25 weekly sessions of 5 hours
Learners will spend the first 4 weeks completing a free separate short course (20 hours) in Developing Thinking Skills. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and to provide an overview of what to expect when working in schools. Successful learners then progress to. the main course.
Who is this course for?
This qualification is for those working or looking to work, in the care sector with children or adults.
Entry requirements
Learners must be at least 16 years old. You must have English at Level 1 or above and maths at Entry 3 or above.
Course content
You will learn about:
- The principles of care and the role of the care worker.
- The physical and psychological needs of children.
- How play and craft activities can be used to support a child’s development.
You will also be supported in the further development of your English and math skills.
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain an Ascentis Level 1 Certificate in Progression.
Early Years Education & Care - Level 2 Diploma
Course length
190 hours (usually 38 weekly sessions of 5 hours) + 200 placement hours
Learners will spend the first 4 weeks completing a free separate short course (20 hours) in Developing Thinking skills. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and to provide an overview of what to expect when working in schools. Successful learners then progress to. the main course.
Who is this course for?
This is for learners who wish to work in children’s centres, nurseries or reception classes as assistants.
NB: This course requires a serious commitment and applicants should think carefully about their ability to undertake and achieve these objectives before enrolling.
Entry requirements
Learners will normally have completed level 1 Working with Children and Adults. You will need to have English skills at Level 2 and be prepared to work towards maths at Level 2 with support so that you can take full advantage of the training offered. You will be required to work in a training placement such as a nursery or crèche, and at some point have the opportunity to work with babies, where you can demonstrate your ability and skills for a minimum of 200 hours over the academic year - usually around 2 days a week. You will need to arrange your own placement.
Course content
You will learn about:
- The importance of effective communication with children and young people and in developing positive relationships with other adults, colleagues and parents/carers.
- Children and young people’s development and the need to monitor, review and evaluate practice to ensure progression.
- Relevant curricula and ensuring positive environments to promote children and young people’s learning journey.
- Behaviour management and how to support children and young people.
- Aspects of equality and diversity in early years settings for children.
- The importance of partnership working in services for children.
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain a Level 2 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care which is identified as a progression towards a Level 3 Diploma.
Early Years Education & Care - Level 3 Diploma
Course length
295 hours in 18 months. 5 hours per week in class and 300 placement hours
Learners will spend the first 4 weeks completing a free separate short course (20 hours) in Developing Thinking Skills. This will allow learners to gain essential skills and to provide an overview of what to expect when working in schools. Successful learners then progress to the main course.
Who is this course for?
This qualification prepares learners to work with children between birth and five years with knowledge of children up to seven years.
Entry requirements
You must hold mathematics and English at level 2 or above before starting this qualification, and you will be advised to work towards GCSEs. It is also helpful to have completed a level 2 childcare qualification.
Course content
You will learn about:
- Supporting healthy lifestyles for children through the provision of food and nutrition.
- Promoting healthy lifestyles through exercise.
- Supporting children’s physical care routines.
- Promoting the emotional well-being of children.
- How to support children who are unwell.
- The legislation relating to safeguarding, health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusive practice.
- Working in partnerships.
- The value of play and enabling play environments.
- Developing children’s emergent literacy and mathematical skills.
- Promoting children’s development.
- Supporting children with additional needs.
- Child observations.
Will I gain any qualifications?
You will gain a CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
How will I learn?
You will be taught and supported by a tutor. You will be expected to attend your group once a week and take part in group and paired activities and discussions. You will build a portfolio of evidence and complete specific tasks with the guidance of your tutor. A substantial amount of independent study and research is required.
Your commitments as a learner
To achieve success on the course you will need to attend regularly. If you need to miss a class, please let us know in advance. You will need to ensure that you allow sufficient time for self-study and complete any homework set. You will be expected to complete all assessments and complete the full course.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): DBS checks are carried out on everyone who works with, or trains to work with, children, young people and vulnerable adults. BAES will carry out these checks before you start a work placement that is part of a social care course, along with a right to work check.
For enrolment on social care courses and for your DBS check you must provide original, approved documents that give evidence of your identity and address.
To get a full DBS check you must have been resident in this country for at least five years. If you have not been resident for at least 5 years, you must also produce a Statement of Good Conduct (written in English) from your previous country BEFORE you can be enrolled onto a social care course.
If you have a criminal record that may bar you from working with children, please discuss this with a member of staff before enrolling, as all previous convictions and cautions will be disclosed and this could prevent you from qualifying.
Right to Work will also be carried out.
Interview and Initial Assessment
You will need to complete a written assessment and undertake a one to one discussion prior to enrolling onto a course. This is mandatory for all learners. Call our Information Line on 0121 303 4318 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment.
