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Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Ealing

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

About this course

Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Ealing. Classes run at Southall Community College, with part-time daytime sessions that fit around other commitments. Over one year, you'll build the knowledge and practical skills needed to care for young children. Topics cover child development, safeguarding, and supporting children's learning and wellbeing. Entry requirements are flexible: four GCSEs at grade 2 or above (including English and maths), or Functional Skills in English and maths at Entry Level 3. At enrolment, you'll have an interview and may complete an initial assessment.

Who this course is for

Adults (19+)

Entry requirements

We recommend that you have:

FourGCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English and maths or Functional Skills in English and maths at Entry Level 3

At enrolment, you will have an interview with our course tutors to ensure the course is right for you. You may also need to complete an initial assessment in English and maths, depending on your grades.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand how young children grow and develop at different stages.
  • You'll learn how to keep children safe and follow safeguarding procedures.
  • You'll explore how to support children's play, learning, and creativity.
  • You'll develop skills in communicating with children and their families.
  • You'll learn about health, hygiene, and nutrition for young children.
  • You'll build a portfolio of coursework that shows your progress throughout the course.

How you will learn

You'll learn in dedicated classrooms through planned lessons and workshops. Your tutors will mark all your work and give you feedback. Assessment is through a portfolio of coursework and practical assignments. Some elements, such as Functional Skills, may also include external exams. You'll have an interview at enrolment, and depending on your grades, an initial assessment in English and maths.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Southall Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting early years staff in a nursery setting.
  • Childminder's assistant: helping care for children in a home environment.
  • Playgroup helper: assisting with activities for young children.
  • Youth support worker: working with young people in community settings.
  • After-school club assistant: supervising and engaging children after school.
  • Crèche worker: providing short-term childcare in leisure or community venues.

What you could study next

This Level 1 childcare qualification is a stepping stone toward further study in the sector. A natural next step is a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Childcare or Early Years, which takes you closer to roles counted in nursery staffing ratios. From there, a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma is the qualification recognised for senior practitioner roles in registered childcare settings.

Apply on wlc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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