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Free HNC Early Childhood Education and Care in Stoke-on-Trent

CostFREE
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start11 Jan 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free HNC Early Childhood Education and Care in Stoke-on-Trent. Classes run at Stoke-on-Trent College Cauldon Campus, full-time during the day.

The course runs over 34 weeks. You'll study child development, early years practice, leadership, and the frameworks that shape early childhood settings. Units cover safeguarding, inclusive practice, and supporting children's learning and wellbeing. A clear DBS check is required before you start, and you'll need to purchase a uniform.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC Higher National Certificate in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Who this course is for

This is a full time, 2 year course, perfect if you want to work in health and social care. The course will support you in progression to University to courses such as Nursing, Paramedic Science, Midwifery and Social Work, or directly into work within the health and social care sector. Social care is about helping people with individual needs such as those who have a disability, the elderly or people with learning difficulties. Carers can work in a home or in a care home or in the local community

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs grade 4 or above including English and ideally Maths or an appropriate NVQ Level 2 or Intermediate qualification. You will have a pre-induction interview/assessment to make sure this is the right level for you. All learners will need a clear DBS prior to the start of the course and be required to purchase a uniform.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore theories of child development and how they shape practice.
  • You'll study safeguarding principles and how to apply them in early years settings.
  • You'll learn about inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs.
  • You'll examine the frameworks and legislation that govern early childhood education in England.
  • You'll develop leadership and management skills for early years environments.
  • You'll study how to plan and assess children's learning and development.
  • You'll build knowledge of working in partnership with families and other professionals.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Cauldon Campus. Assessment is through assignments and coursework rather than exams. You'll complete a pre-induction interview before starting so the college can confirm the course is the right level for you.

What you will need to bring

You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, and ideally Maths, or an appropriate NVQ Level 2 or intermediate qualification. A clear DBS check is required before the course starts. You'll also need to purchase a uniform. Stoke-on-Trent College Cauldon Campus will confirm any further requirements before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Lead Practitioner, leads practice and supports staff in a nursery or pre-school setting.
  • Nursery Room Leader, manages a room and oversees the learning of a group of children.
  • Senior Early Years Practitioner, takes on additional responsibility within an early years team.
  • Nursery Manager, managing a setting fully usually requires further experience or a Level 5 qualification alongside this HNC.

What you could study next

  • HND in Early Childhood Education and Care (Level 5), the natural next step after this HNC, deepening your knowledge and opening further leadership roles.
  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies (Level 6), a full degree for those wanting to move into senior leadership, research, or teaching roles.
  • Early Years Teacher Status, requires a degree and further assessment through an approved provider.
Apply on stokecoll.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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