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Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Southend-on-Sea

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start5 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Southend Campus. You'll need Level 1 or 2 in English and maths to join. Over 12 months of full-time daytime childcare classes, you'll build knowledge of child development, play, and the skills needed in early years settings. The course covers how children grow and develop, how to respect and value children, and how to support their play and leisure. It leads naturally into Level 2 study and roles such as nursery practitioner.

Who this course is for

This course is a brilliant place to begin if you are interested in working with children in either a nursery or primary school setting. This course gives the learner a great overview of the Early Years role building the foundations necessary to move onto further qualifications and employment. It is designed to stimulate interest and encourage learners’ understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to care for young children.

If you want to work in a nursery or primary school setting or would like to be a childminder or Au Pair this is the course to begin with.

Entry requirements

Level 1 / 2 in English Level 1 /2 in maths

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how young children grow and develop physically and emotionally.
  • You'll learn about human growth and development across early childhood.
  • You'll understand how to respect and value children as individuals.
  • You'll study the role of play and leisure in children's learning.
  • You'll build foundational knowledge of the early years practitioner role.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom full-time, five days a week during the day. All work is assessed through completion of course modules. There are no exams. Your progress is tracked as you work through each topic.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: support children's learning in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery practitioner: a step toward a qualified early years role.
  • Childminder: care for children in a home-based setting.
  • Youth support worker: work with young people in community settings.
  • Playworker: lead play activities in after-school or holiday clubs.
  • Primary school teaching assistant: support classroom learning.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Practice: the natural next step after this Course, and the one the provider specifically recommends. It takes you closer to a qualified nursery practitioner role.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. You'll typically need Level 2 first.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Playwork: if you want to focus on play-based roles with children and young people.
Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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