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Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Leigh

CostFREE
Duration35 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Childcare Course in Leigh. Classes run at Wigan and Leigh College Leigh Campus, full-time during the day.

The course runs over 35 weeks and introduces you to working in early years settings. You'll explore child development, safeguarding, and how to support children's learning and wellbeing. Work placements are part of the course, giving you hands-on experience alongside your studies. You'll need a minimum of five GCSE subjects graded 9 to 2, or equivalent, to join.

You'll finish with an NCFE Diploma in Caring for Children.

Who this course is for

If you want a rewarding career working in a childcare setting we have a number of routes for you to follow, including further study at university level. You will need to have a clear DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) to work in the childcare sector. Work placements will supplement your studies, and our industry professional tutors will help you to maximise your full potential. This course gives you an introduction to working in early years. It will give you the opportunity to develop your skills in communication, problem solving, team working and time management. You will also undertake work experience.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSE subjects graded 9-2 or equivalent.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn the basics of child development from birth to five years.
  • You'll explore safeguarding and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll develop skills to support children's play and learning.
  • You'll understand how to work with parents and carers.
  • You'll learn about health, hygiene, and nutrition for young children.
  • You'll gain practical experience through work placements in childcare settings.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and work placements in childcare settings. Assessment is through assignments, observations, and practical tasks completed during your placement. Industry-experienced tutors support you throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

Wigan and Leigh College Leigh Campus will confirm what you need before you start. You will need a clear DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check to take part in work placements.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant, supports children's daily activities in a nursery setting.
  • Early years assistant, works under a qualified practitioner in a childcare setting.
  • Playgroup helper, assists with play sessions for young children.
  • Crèche worker, provides short-term childcare in leisure or community venues.

Most roles in childcare require further qualifications at Level 2 or Level 3. This course is a starting point toward those roles.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Early Years Practitioner, the next step toward working more independently in a childcare setting.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education, required to count in statutory staffing ratios as a qualified practitioner.
  • Level 3 T Level in Education and Early Years, a two-year full-time route combining study and industry placement.

Each step builds on the last, and a Level 3 qualification opens further routes into higher education or specialist roles.

Apply on wigan-leigh.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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