Level 1 Childcare Course in Birmingham – South & City College Birmingham Bordesley Green Campus

CostFree if you're eligible
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Contact South & City College Birmingham for more info.

About this course

Level 1 Childcare Course in Birmingham. Evening childcare classes run at South & City College Birmingham Bordesley Green Campus, fitting study around your existing commitments. The course takes one year part-time. You'll cover children's growth and development, the value of play, healthy lifestyles, communication, and how to support young children's learning. Entry requires GCSE Maths and English at Grade 2 or above, or Entry Level 3 Functional Skills in both subjects. This level 1 childcare qualification is a solid starting point before moving into a Level 2 programme.

Who this course is for

This one-year course is designed for school leavers aiming to work in a childcare/early years setting. It provides an introduction to caring for children and will prepare learners for further learning. It covers children's growth, play, development and address the importance of participation in learning activities in order to improve a young child’s confidence.

Entry requirements

You must have achieved a Grade 2 in GCSE Maths and English. We also accept applications to this course from individuals with Entry 3 Functional skills in English and Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how babies and young children grow and develop.
  • You'll learn about the role of play in early childhood learning.
  • You'll study how diet and healthy lifestyles support children's wellbeing.
  • You'll understand how communication supports children's confidence and development.
  • You'll look at how to encourage children's participation in learning activities.
  • You'll gain an introduction to working in childcare and early years settings.

How you will learn

Classes are classroom-based and blend practical hands-on sessions with theory. Your tutor will assess you using a range of methods, which can include designing charts, creating leaflets, and completing coursework assignments.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South & City College Birmingham Bordesley Green 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 young children in early years settings
  • Youth support worker: work with young people in community or education settings
  • Playworker: lead play sessions in after-school or holiday clubs
  • Teaching assistant: support learning in primary school classrooms
  • Crèche worker: provide childcare in leisure or community venues

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education: the natural next step toward working in a registered childcare setting, covering child development, safeguarding, and practical care skills in more depth.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Early Years Practice: a broader qualification that can support progression toward roles counted in nursery staffing ratios.
  • Functional Skills English and Maths Level 2: if you need to strengthen your English or maths before progressing to Level 2 or 3 childcare courses.

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