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, UCAS Convention, Early Years Practitioner Conference, Eureka Museum, Beechwood Farm Nursery in Runcorn and the Manchester Science Museum. In the past, our students have visited destinations including Prague, Disneyland Paris, Poland, and London.
We encourage our T Level and Level 3 apprenticeship students to visit different universities, with our early years 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, Sandy Lane Nursery, and Warrington Borough Council.
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.
Early years students have recently taken part in a live brief with employer partner, Forest School, creating an interactive resource that would engage children in literacy in the forest, putting to test the practical skills and knowledge they have learned throughout their course.
I am
16-18 Years Old
Our Early Years courses for school leavers provide the perfect starting point for a rewarding career working with young children. You’ll begin by developing essential skills such as communication, leadership and professional practice, before progressing to an in‑depth understanding of child growth and development and how to support and educate young children effectively. As part of your studies, you’ll work towards achieving your Early Years Educator qualification and take part in regular work placements, giving you valuable hands‑on experience in real early years settings. We offer both T Levels and Apprenticeships in Early Years, all designed to prepare you with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed for successful entry into the early years and childcare workforce.
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
Full Time
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Level 2 Health & Social Care
Full Time
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Level 3 Childhood Studies & AS Psychology
Full Time
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Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
Part Time
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T Level Education & Early Years: Early Years Educator
Full Time
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T Level Education and Childcare: Assisting Teaching
Full Time
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I am an
Adult Learner
We offer a range of part-time courses for adults in early years education which are ideal for those looking to start or progress a career in early years or educational settings. Whether you've always dreamed of working with children or are already in the sector and want to gain a recognised qualification, our expert tutors are here to support you every step of the way.
Creative Learning for your Child
Part Time
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Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid
Part Time
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Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
Part Time
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
Full Time
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Supporting your Childs Learning at Home
Part Time
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I am looking for an
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships offer a great way to earn while you learn, providing practical on-the-job training. They are ideal for both school leavers and adults.
Meet our students
Keira is in the second and final year of her T Level Early Years course and has loved her time as a student at Warrington & Vale Royal College! She feels she has grown in confidence, made life-long friends, and is now fully prepared for her next step at Liverpool John Moores University.
“The T Level has been an incredible course to study. I have spent time actually working in the early years sector, so am going to university with a standout qualification and hundreds of hours of real-world experience!”
Kiya, a former Helsby High School student, chose to study Level 1 Health, Social & Childcare at Warrington & Vale Royal College because of its excellent facilities and the strong progression opportunities into childcare careers.
"The amazing equipment and practical learning opportunities made the course the right choice for me. The teachers always go the extra mile to make me feel comfortable and welcome, and the Support Team is so lovely. This course is helping me prepare for my dream career in helping children, and I can’t wait to see what next year will bring."
Ruby, a former Irlam & Cadishead Academy pupil, chose to study T Level Early Years to gain the skills and experience needed for a fulfilling career in childcare. Through a combination of classroom learning and industry placement, she has developed valuable knowledge and confidence, helping her secure a place at Edge Hill University to study BSc Child & Adolescent Mental Health and Wellbeing.
"My favourite part of the course was my placement at a primary school! It has been fantastic for my development, giving me real responsibility and valuable hands-on experience."
After leaving Rudheath Senior Academy, Milly chose to study Level 1 Health, Social and Childcare to pursue her passion for supporting children with special educational needs.
As well as enjoying the varied modules on her course, the supportive and engaging learning environment has made her experience at college so far both fun and rewarding.
"I've always been passionate about supporting children with special educational needs, and I feel like this course has really helped me with my future career plans. My tutors have made me feel comfortable from the start because they are funny, kind and helpful."
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
