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Level 1 Childcare Course in Colchester

CostFREE
Duration9 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 BTEC Introductory Diploma in Caring for Children Under Five in Colchester. Classes run at Adult Skills Centre Colchester, full-time during the day. The course runs for around nine months and covers child development, food and nutrition, healthy lifestyles, and communication, alongside 60 hours of industry work experience. You'll also develop your English, maths, and employability skills throughout. Entry requires three GCSEs (grades 9 to 1) including English Language and Maths, or Level 1 Functional Skills equivalents, plus an interview and a satisfactory DBS check.

Who this course is for

The Caring for Children Under Five Level 1 course programme is designed as a starting point for those looking for a career in caring for young children.

Entry requirements

3 GCSEs (9-1) including English Language and Maths, or Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent, an interview plus a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS*) check.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore child development and what children need at different stages of early life.
  • You'll study food, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles for young children.
  • You'll develop communication and teamwork skills relevant to early years settings.
  • You'll build personal development skills to support your professional practice.
  • You'll complete 60 hours of industry work experience with young children.
  • You'll strengthen your English and maths skills alongside your childcare learning.
  • You'll learn how to work safely and effectively in an early years environment.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Adult Skills Centre Colchester, combined with hands-on work experience placements. Assessment is through assignments and a portfolio of work you build throughout the course. You'll also take part in visits and group projects as part of your learning. All students in the Early Years department are required to purchase and wear a uniform in college and at placements.

What you will need to bring

All students in the Early Years department are required to purchase and wear a uniform, both in college and during work placements. Adult Skills Centre Colchester will confirm the specific uniform requirements and anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's play and daily routines in a nursery
  • Childcare worker: caring for young children in a day nursery or creche
  • Early years practitioner: working in a pre-school or children's centre
  • Playgroup assistant: helping run sessions for children under five
  • Youth support worker: supporting young people's development and wellbeing
  • Nanny or au pair: providing childcare in a family home setting
  • After-school club assistant: supervising and engaging children in activities

What you could study next

A Level 1 BTEC Introductory Diploma in Caring for Children Under Five is a starting point. From here, you could progress to a Level 2 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, which takes you further into working with young children. After that, a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification is the level recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and opens the door to roles with greater responsibility in early years settings.

Apply on colchester.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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