Free NCFE Level 1 Childcare Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You learn while working in a childcare setting, putting skills into practice from day one. The course covers the essentials of caring for children, including child development, safeguarding, and supporting wellbeing. It typically takes 8 months to complete. There are no entry requirements, so you can start this level 1 childcare qualification without previous study.
Who this course is for
Young people who are interested in perusing a career in childcare.
Entry requirements
No entry requirements.
What you will learn
You'll understand the stages of child development and what children need at each stage.
You'll learn how to keep children safe and recognise safeguarding concerns.
You'll explore how to support children's physical and emotional wellbeing.
You'll learn how to communicate effectively with children and their families.
You'll understand the importance of play in children's learning and development.
You'll learn about health, hygiene, and safe environments in childcare settings.
How you will learn
This is work-based training, so your learning happens in your workplace. You'll build evidence of your skills through observation, written tasks, and reflective accounts completed on the job. A trained assessor will visit you in your workplace to review your progress and sign off your competence. Milton Keynes Christian Foundation will confirm the assessment schedule before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Milton Keynes Christian Foundation will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery assistant: supporting children's daily care and activities
Childcare worker: working in day nurseries, crèches, or playgroups
Youth Support Worker: helping young people in community or residential settings
Playworker: organising play activities for children in after-school clubs
Early years helper: assisting qualified staff in early years settings
Classroom support assistant: supporting children in primary school settings
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education: the natural next step, covering child development and practice in more depth.
Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children: a focused qualification valued by employers in any childcare role.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the route to becoming a qualified early years educator.
