Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Newham – Newham College London East Ham Campus

CostFREE
Duration18 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start4 Jan 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Newham. Classes run at Newham College London East Ham Campus. Daytime, part-time sessions over 18 weeks make this a manageable option if you have other commitments. You'll build the skills and knowledge needed to work in childcare settings, covering communication, teamwork, and the foundations of working with children. Before you enrol, you'll complete an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you. Entry requirements include at least 4 GCSEs at grade 9 - 3 (A* - E), including English and Maths, or equivalent.

Who this course is for

The Level 1 Certificate in Childcare aims to give you the opportunity to provide an educational foundation for a range of careers in Childcare. It will enable you to develop a range of skills and attitudes essential for working in the Childcare sector. You will also be able to further develop your communication and teamwork skills.

Entry requirements

You will require at least 4 GCSEs at grade 9-3 (A*-E) including English and Maths and/or equivalent. An Initial Diagnostic Assessment has to be completed before you are enrolled; you also need to achieve at least Entry 3 English to be accepted on to the Level 1 course. This is to ensure you are put on the right course at the right level.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop an understanding of child development and how children learn.
  • You'll explore the responsibilities of childcare workers in different settings.
  • You'll build communication skills relevant to working with children and families.
  • You'll develop teamwork skills needed in childcare environments.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding and keeping children safe.
  • You'll gain an educational foundation for a range of careers in the childcare sector.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at the East Ham Campus. Learning is delivered part-time during the day across 18 weeks. Assessment methods will be confirmed at enrolment, but the course is designed to build practical knowledge and skills progressively. Your initial diagnostic assessment before enrolment helps ensure the course is pitched at the right level for you.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Newham College London East Ham Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: support children's play and daily routines
  • Childcare worker: care for children in nursery or daycare settings
  • Early years helper: assist qualified staff in early years classrooms
  • Playworker: support children's activities in after-school or holiday clubs
  • Crèche assistant: provide supervised childcare in leisure or community venues

What you could study next

This Level 1 Certificate in Childcare is a stepping stone toward further study in early years and childcare.

  • Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Early Years Education: the next step, covering more in-depth childcare practice.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. You'll need this to count toward qualified staff numbers in a registered setting.
  • Functional Skills English or Maths: if you want to strengthen your qualifications alongside your childcare studies.

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