Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Bury Saint Edmunds. Classes run at West Suffolk College, full-time during the day. You'll study child development, care skills, and the knowledge needed to work with young children. The course runs for one year. Alongside the childcare qualification, you'll also work toward GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above, which employers in this sector now require. Entry is by interview, and you'll need at least a grade 3 in GCSE English to apply.
Who this course is for
If you are interested in developing the skills and knowledge needed to care for young children, this qualification will stimulate and encourage you to progress further in your chosen career pathway.The course is aimed at a range of learners, including young people needing to develop life skills, as well as those who are thinking of working in childcare.Alongside this course, you will also be studying to achieve your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, as this a necessary requirement of working in an Early Years setting.Over the duration of the course, you will be fully supported in preparing for your next steps - either in training or moving towards the world of work. There will also be an opportunity for you to undertake work experience to develop the skills that youll learn on the course.
Entry requirements
Entry is by interview. Applicants will need a grade3 in GCSE English.Government mandate from November 2021 states employees will need to have maths and English at either Functional Skills level 2, or GCSE grade 4 to be employed in this sector.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development and how children grow and learn.
You'll explore how to support children's physical, emotional, and social needs.
You'll learn about safeguarding and keeping children safe.
You'll study health, hygiene, and nutrition for young children.
You'll build understanding of how to plan and support play and learning activities.
You'll work toward GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above alongside your childcare studies.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in the classroom at West Suffolk College, full-time during the day. You'll be assessed through a combination of assignments, observations, and coursework. Your English and maths GCSEs are studied and assessed alongside the main childcare programme. Entry is by interview.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. West Suffolk 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 a day nursery or crèche
After-school club assistant: supervising and engaging school-age children
Youth support worker: working with young people in community settings
Playworker: leading play sessions in holiday or breakfast clubs
Early years helper: assisting qualified staff in early years settings
What you could study next
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: the next step in childcare, covering more responsibility in early years settings.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the level most employers require for a room leader or key worker role.
Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2: if you don't achieve GCSE grade 4 during this course, Functional Skills Level 2 is the recognised equivalent for employment in this sector.
