Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Weymouth. Classes run at Weymouth College, full-time during the day. There are no formal entry requirements. Selection is by interview and a reference, so this is an accessible starting point for a childcare qualification. Over one year, you'll cover the theory and practical skills involved in caring for children, from child development to safeguarding basics. The course leads to roles such as nursery practitioner and youth support worker, and opens the door to further study in childcare and early years.
Who this course is for
"There are strict guidelines in place both for organisations and individuals within the childcare sector. It is therefore essential to gain a qualification if you want to look after children. This course allows you to learn basic skills in caring for children. It includes theory and practical work, and provides a useful starting point for a career in this industry, and progression into further study."
Entry requirements
Selection is by interview and a good school or employer reference. There are no formal entry requirements, but you will be expected to show a keen interest in working with children and to demonstrate an ability to cope with the assessment process. Other information such as assessment results, relevant experience and portfolio may be taken into consideration.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in caring for young children in supervised settings.
You'll learn about child development and how children grow and learn.
You'll understand safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore health, hygiene, and nutrition as they apply to childcare.
You'll learn how to support children's play and everyday routines.
You'll build an understanding of the responsibilities involved in working with children.
How you will learn
Learning combines classroom theory with practical work. You'll be assessed through a mix of coursework, observations, and portfolio evidence built up over the year. The provider will confirm the specific assessment methods before you start. Selection includes an interview and a reference from a school or employer.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Weymouth College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery assistant: supporting children's play and daily care in a nursery setting.
Childminder's assistant: helping a registered childminder with day-to-day childcare.
Youth support worker: working with young people in community or school settings.
Playworker: leading play activities in after-school clubs or holiday schemes.
Early years helper: assisting qualified staff in a pre-school or children's centre.
What you could study next
Level 2 Certificate in Childcare and Education: the natural next step, covering more depth and opening more job roles.
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: a fuller qualification that counts toward nursery staffing ratios.
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the route to becoming a room leader or key person.
