Early Years
If you would love to work with children and make a real difference in their lives, our early years courses could be perfect for you. The knowledge and practical experience you will gain on your course will lead you towards a successful career in this rewarding sector.
Trips and visits
Throughout your course, you will have the opportunity to participate in first aid training and engaging excursions to locations like Forest Schools, The International Slavery Museum, Eureka Museum and the Thackray Medical Museum. Our students have visited destinations including Prague, Disneyland Paris, Poland, and London.
We encourage our level 3 students to visit different universities, with our childcare students benefiting from the college’s strong relationship with the University of Chester by getting involved in seminars and lectures.
Industry links
You will have the opportunity to take part in valuable industry placements, furthering your practical skills and industry knowledge. The college has excellent links with a range of private day nurseries, primary schools and childminders, such as Dunky’s Day Nursery, Bright Futures and Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School. In addition to the industry-relevant skills developed throughout your industry placements, you will also develop vital employability skills including communication, customer service, enthusiasm, motivation, problem-solving and attention to detail. This ensures that you are fully prepared to succeed in the workplace when you leave us.
Throughout the course, you will meet professional guest speakers such as nursery managers and representatives from the University of Chester, to learn about the different roles and career prospects available.
I am
16-18 Years Old
If you are a school leaver studying early years, you will begin by acquiring the basic skills required to work in this industry, such as communication and leadership skills. As you progress, you will learn all about child growth and development as well as learning how to educate young children, and gain your early years educator qualification. As part of your course, you will take part in a regular work placement, which will equip you with valuable practical experience as well as preparing you for entry into the workplace.
I am an
Adult Learner
We have a range of adult early years courses, including online and part time courses, suitable for those who are seeking employment within an early years or educational setting. Perhaps you have always dreamed of working with children, or are already working within the sector and want to gain a qualification. Whatever your ambition, our expert tutors will provide all the support you need to achieve it.
Meet our students
Maddison Bamber, a former pupil at Outwood Academy Haydock, came to the college to pursue her passion for helping others, aspiring to work with disabled children in the future.
Already, Maddison has had the opportunity to put her skills into practice, taking part in industry placements with local nurseries to enhance her CV and gain impressive on the job experience. She says:
"I chose to study at this college because I heard great things about the facilities and industry placement opportunities. I have not been disappointed!"
When Charlotte, a former pupil of Irlam & Cadishead Academy, first visited the college on an open evening, she was impressed with the variety of courses on offer. It was childcare that really caught her eye, and Charlotte has enjoyed two years of gaining the key skills, knowledge and industry experience to begin a successful career.
Charlotte is now studying BA (Hons) Early Years & Childhood Studies at Manchester Metropolitan University, with the hopes of then becoming an Early Years Practitioner.
“My time at college has been amazing and I am thankful for all the support my tutors have given me. I would recommend the college to anyone!”
The best aspect of this course is the support we get from the tutors. My tutor makes sure that I fully understand my work and always encourages me to do my best."
Sophie Paradoe, a former Hartford Church of England High School pupil, is currently in the second year of her Level 3 Childcare course. She is happy to be gaining the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to begin her dream career as an early years primary school teacher.
Meet our tutors
Charlotte Marshall
Charlotte Marshall is Curriculum Manager for Childcare and Health & Social Care, and has been teaching at the college for six years. Charlotte was previously a nursery manager and has an abundance of industry experience to share with her students.
Charlotte has also achieved a BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies and an MA Education from the University of Chester. Charlotte loves teaching at the college and helping her students reach their career goals.
Explore our facilities
