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Free Entry Level Childcare Course in Bury Saint Edmunds

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelEntry Level
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Entry Level Childcare Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at West Suffolk College, full-time during the day.

The course introduces you to caring for young children. You'll explore child development, safeguarding, and the skills needed in a childcare setting. Alongside the course, you'll also work toward your English and Maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above. The course runs over one year.

You'll finish with a Gateway Qualifications Certificate in Childcare at Entry Level.

Who this course is for

If you are interested in developing the skills and knowledge needed to care for young children, this qualification will stimulate and encourage you to progress further in your chosen career pathway.The course is aimed at a range of learners, including young people needing to develop life skills, as well as those who are thinking of working in childcare.Alongside this course, you will also be studying to achieve your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, as this a necessary requirement of working in an Early Years setting.Over the duration of the course, you will be fully supported in preparing for your next steps - either in training or moving towards the world of work. There will also be an opportunity for you to undertake work experience to develop the skills that you'll learn on the course.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how young children grow and develop.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding and keeping children safe.
  • You'll develop skills for supporting children's play and learning.
  • You'll study health, hygiene, and nutrition for young children.
  • You'll build an understanding of working in a childcare setting.
  • You'll work toward your English and Maths GCSEs alongside the course.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at West Suffolk College. Assessment is through coursework and practical tasks linked to childcare topics. You'll also study English and Maths GCSE as part of your programme.

What you will need to bring

West Suffolk College will confirm what you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant, supports children's play and daily routines in a nursery.
  • Early years assistant, works alongside qualified staff in a childcare setting.
  • Playgroup helper, assists with activities in a community play setting.
  • Childminder's assistant, supports a registered childminder with young children.

What you could study next

  • Level 1 Award or Certificate in Childcare, the natural next step after this Entry Level course.
  • Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education, opens more roles in nurseries and early years settings.
  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator, the qualification recognised in nursery staffing ratios and needed for a senior room role.
Apply on wsc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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