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
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 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship
Part 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.
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship
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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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
Mackenzie chose to study at Warrington & Vale Royal College due to its exceptional facilities, expert tutors, and the unique blend of theoretical and practical learning it offers. Passionate about working with SEND or EAL children, Mackenzie feels that her placement has been instrumental in helping her grow both personally and professionally, with the course equipping her with a comprehensive range of skills that will benefit her future career.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my industry placement at a specialist SEN nursery in St Helens. This experience has provided me with incredible opportunities to expand and enhance my skills in many different ways."
MACKENZIE ANDREWS
T Level Early Years Education
"College gave me a fresh start. The tutors have supported me so much, from helping me progress to finding me a placement I love. It’s hard work, but worth it, and I’ve learned loads."
After enjoying the subject in school, Neave, a former pupil of Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy, saw college as a chance for a fresh start, and it’s been exactly that. Encouraged by her tutors, Neave has thrived thanks to the strong support system around her!
She’s especially grateful for her placement at St Mary’s Primary School, which was organised by the college and has been a highlight of her experience. It’s helped confirm her future goal of working in a nursery and building a career in early years education.
Sharni-Mae chose to study at Warrington & Vale Royal College after hearing about its fantastic early years course options. She has loved making new friends on her course and finds her tutors extremely supportive.
“I feel the course is helping me massively to achieve my future goals. I really enjoy learning about the different areas of child development as I would love to work in a day nursery in the future.”
Sharni says that her favourite part of the course is her placement as she gets to put her learning into practice. She is currently completing industry placement twice a week at ABC123 Day Nursery, running practical and engaging activities for the children including reading, games and musical activities.
SHARNI-MAE POPE
T Level Early Years Education
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!"
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
