Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Bournemouth – Shoots Training Bournemouth

CostFREE
Duration9 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryBlended learning
StartFlexible
Study modeFlexible
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Bournemouth. Classes run at Shoots Training Bournemouth, with a mix of online study and time at the centre. You'll cover the foundations of caring for children, including communication, child development, and the basics of working in childcare settings. The course takes around 9 months and suits flexible, daytime study. A DBS check may be needed for any work placement. This level 1 childcare qualification is a stepping stone before moving on to Level 2.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal for young people aged 16–19, or up to age 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), who are interested in working with children and want to build the basic skills and knowledge needed to progress into the childcare sector.

It is particularly suitable for those who are not yet ready for a Level 2 qualification and would benefit from a supportive introduction to childcare. Learners will develop confidence, communication skills, and an understanding of working with children in a safe and supportive environment.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. However, learners should have a genuine interest in working with children and be willing to develop their English and maths skills.

A DBS check may be required for work placement, along with a commitment to attend both online sessions and placement.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children grow and develop at different ages.
  • You'll learn how to communicate effectively with children and the adults around them.
  • You'll understand how to keep children safe and support their wellbeing.
  • You'll discover the roles and responsibilities of people who work in childcare settings.
  • You'll develop your English and maths skills as part of your learning.
  • You'll build an understanding of play and how it supports children's learning.

How you will learn

Learning is blended: you'll complete online sessions in your own time and attend daytime classes at Shoots Training Bournemouth. Assessment is through coursework and practical tasks rather than formal exams. A work placement may also form part of the course, for which a DBS check may be required. You'll need to commit to both the online and in-person elements.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Shoots Training Bournemouth 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: work in a nursery, crèche, or after-school club
  • Playworker: lead play activities for children in community settings
  • Youth Support Worker: assist young people in structured support programmes
  • Teaching assistant: support learning in a primary school classroom
  • After-school club assistant: supervise and engage children outside school hours

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate in Childcare: the natural next step, covering more detailed knowledge of child development and care practice.
  • Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: a broader qualification that opens doors to roles in nurseries and early years settings.
  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, needed to take on a qualified practitioner role.

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