Level 1 BTEC Introductory Diploma in Caring for Children Under Five Course in Hastings. Classes run at East Sussex College Hastings Station Plaza Campus, full-time during the day. You'll study child development, play, health and safety, and how to support children's needs in early years settings. The course runs for one year. You'll need to show you can reach Level 1 English and maths by the end; an initial assessment at the start helps confirm this and plan your learning. Pearson Edexcel BTEC Introductory Diploma in Caring for Children Under Five with certificate.
Who this course is for
This qualification designed to give learners a practical introduction to working with young children. It covers key areas such as child development, play, health and safety, and supporting children's needs in early years settings. The course helps build foundational skills and knowledge for those interested in pursuing a career or further study in childcare and early education.
Entry requirements
You will need to demonstrate an ability to achieve Level 1 English and maths by the end of the course through an initial assessment.
What you will learn
You'll explore how young children develop physically, emotionally, and socially.
You'll learn how play supports children's learning and wellbeing.
You'll understand health and safety responsibilities in early years settings.
You'll develop skills for supporting children's individual needs.
You'll build foundational knowledge of early education practice.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at East Sussex College Hastings Station Plaza Campus. BTEC qualifications are assessed through coursework and assignments rather than formal exams. You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course, demonstrating your knowledge and practical understanding of working with young children.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. East Sussex College Hastings Station Plaza Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Youth support worker: supporting young people in community or education settings
Nursery assistant: helping children learn and play in nursery settings
Childcare assistant: supporting children's daily care and activities
Playworker: leading play activities in after-school or holiday clubs
Early years helper: assisting qualified staff in early years classrooms
Creche worker: caring for young children in creche environments
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma in Early Years Practitioner: the next step toward working as a qualified early years practitioner in a nursery or childcare setting.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the route toward becoming a fully qualified early years educator.
Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning: if you're interested in moving into a school-based support role.
