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

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceEvening
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Birmingham. Evening childcare classes run at South & City College Birmingham Handsworth Campus, so you can fit study around your week. The course takes one year part-time and covers children's growth and development, play, healthy lifestyles, communication, and how to build children's confidence. You'll need GCSE Maths and English at Grade 2 or above, or Entry Level 3 Functional Skills in both subjects. Assessment uses practical tasks, chart design, leaflets, and coursework assignments.

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 examine how communication supports children's learning.
  • You'll understand how to build confidence in young children.
  • You'll look at how participation in learning activities benefits early development.

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, including designing charts and leaflets and completing coursework assignments.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South & City College Birmingham Handsworth 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 school settings
  • Playworker: lead play sessions for children in after-school or holiday clubs
  • Early years helper: assist qualified staff in nurseries or pre-schools

What you could study next

This level 1 childcare qualification is a stepping stone into further study.

  • Level 2 Certificate in Childcare: the next step toward working in a childcare setting in a more independent role.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Early Years Practice: a broader qualification covering more of the early years curriculum.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the goal for those aiming to lead in an early years setting.