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Level 1 Childcare Course at Tameside College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Tameside College, full-time during the day. Over the course of a year, you'll study child development, safeguarding, health and safety, forest schools, and how to communicate effectively with young children. You'll learn through case studies, group work, practical activities, and projects. Entry requires 3 GCSEs at grade 1 or above, and you'll be interviewed before starting. This free childcare course for adults and school leavers leads to the NCFE Level 1 Diploma in Caring for Children with certificate.

Who this course is for

This is a full time study programme. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods which will aim to meet the needs of each individual and accommodate different learning styles for example, case studies, assessments, group work, practical work, projects and interactive activities.

Throughout the course you will study a variety of units which include:

� Listening and talking with a young child

� Forest schools

� Safeguarding

� Health & safety

� Growth & Development of young children

� Supporting babies to play

Entry requirements

Level 1 (Foundation)

  • 3 GCSEs grade 1 or above.

You will be interviewed for this course, should be enthusiastic about working in the Early Years sector and have a genuine interest in the subject, good communication skills and are able to participate in work experience.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in listening and talking with young children.
  • You'll learn the principles of safeguarding and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll study health and safety in childcare settings.
  • You'll explore child growth and development.
  • You'll gain an introduction to forest school approaches and outdoor learning.
  • You'll practise working as part of a team through group activities and projects.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of teaching methods designed to suit different learning styles. These include case studies, group work, practical activities, projects, and interactive tasks. Assessment is built into your study throughout the year rather than through a single exam. You'll also take part in work experience as part of the programme.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Tameside 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: working in nurseries, crèches, or playgroups
  • Youth support worker: helping young people in community or school settings
  • Playworker: leading activities in after-school or holiday clubs
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in Reception or Year 1
  • Residential childcare worker: caring for children in residential settings

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Award, Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education: the natural next step, covering more of the knowledge and skills needed in early years settings.
  • Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: a more structured route toward working in a nursery or pre-school.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the qualification to aim for if you want to take on a senior room role.
Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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