Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Stockport. Classes run at Stockport Continuing Education Service. Daytime sessions over 13 weeks make it manageable alongside other commitments. This free childcare course for adults covers the background knowledge you need to work with young children, including child development, safeguarding, and supporting children's wellbeing. It won't qualify you as a childcare worker on its own, but it gives you a solid foundation for further training. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the course is the right starting point for you.
Who this course is for
If you are a young person thinking of a career which involves looking after children or you would like to develop useful life skills, this could be the course for you. It won't make you a qualified childcare worker but it will provide you with the background knowledge that you will need to take your first steps into training or further study.
Entry requirements
An interest in working with young children.
What you will learn
You'll explore how children grow and develop in their early years.
You'll learn the basics of keeping children safe and understanding safeguarding responsibilities.
You'll study how to support children's physical and emotional wellbeing.
You'll look at how play supports children's learning and development.
You'll gain an understanding of working with families and carers.
You'll build background knowledge needed for further childcare training.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Stockport Continuing Education Service. Learning is delivered in a group setting with tutor support throughout. Assessment is through coursework and assignments completed during the course. There are no formal exams.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Stockport Continuing Education Service will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Youth Support Worker: support young people in community or school settings.
Nursery assistant: help with day-to-day care in a nursery setting.
Playworker: lead play activities for children in after-school or holiday clubs.
Childminder assistant: support a registered childminder in a home setting.
Early years volunteer: gain experience in a nursery or children's centre.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education: the next step toward working in a nursery or early years setting.
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: a more in-depth childcare qualification that counts toward statutory staffing ratios.
Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Child Protection: useful alongside any childcare role or further study.
Functional Skills English or Maths at Level 1 or 2: often needed for entry to Level 3 childcare courses.
