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Level 1 Childcare Course in Cambridge

CostFee:1262.00 Concession: 269.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start3 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 1 Childcare Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Cambridge Regional College, full-time during the day. The course runs over one year and covers child growth and development, children's play, healthy eating for families, and communication with young children. You'll also explore Forest Schools and spend a minimum of 72 hours gaining hands-on experience in an Early Years setting. Entry requires 2 GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above. This level 1 childcare qualification is awarded by NCFE.

Who this course is for

This qualification is aimed at people considering a career in the children and young peoples workforce.

You will study a variety of subjects over one year including:

Growth and development Children's play Finding out about Forest Schools Healthy eating for families Listening and talking to young children Preparing your next steps

You will have the opportunity to gain experience working with children in an Early Years setting. A minimum of 72 hours work experience will be arranged for you in a childcare setting. The development of practical English and Maths skills will be an essential part of your programme. In addition, if you have not achieved a GCSE grade C or above in English and/or Maths (or new grading 4 or above for GCSE maths or English), you will study for a recognised qualification appropriate to your level e.g. GCSE or Functional Skills. IT will be embedded in the delivery of your specialist skills.

There will be a cost to students of GBP100 which includes a security check (DBS) and course materials , 19+ fees apply.

Entry requirements

You will need 2 GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above, a general education plus a keen interest in working with children.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children grow and develop at different stages.
  • You'll study the role of play in children's learning and wellbeing.
  • You'll learn about Forest Schools and outdoor approaches to early years education.
  • You'll cover healthy eating for families and young children.
  • You'll develop skills in listening and talking with young children.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience in an Early Years setting through arranged work placements.
  • You'll prepare for your next steps into further study or work with children.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Cambridge Regional College, covering a range of subjects across the year. Alongside your classroom study, you'll complete a minimum of 72 hours of work experience in an Early Years setting. Assessment is through coursework and practical tasks completed during the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cambridge Regional College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's play and daily routines
  • Childcare worker: caring for young children in a nursery or creche
  • Early years practitioner: working in pre-school or reception settings
  • Youth support worker: helping young people in community or school settings
  • Playworker: leading play activities in after-school or holiday clubs
  • Classroom teaching assistant: supporting children in primary school

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: the next step toward working as a qualified early years practitioner in a nursery or pre-school setting.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. Required if you want to count toward qualified staff numbers in a registered setting.
  • Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning: a route into classroom-based roles in schools.
Apply on camre.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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