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Level 1 Early Years Course at Thurrock Adult Community College

CostFREE
Duration14 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start23 Feb 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 1 Early Years Course in Grays. Classes run at Thurrock Adult Community College, with daytime sessions over 19 weeks at a manageable part-time pace. This early years qualification introduces the knowledge and skills needed to work in nurseries, childcare settings, and early years environments. You'll explore child development, safeguarding, and day-to-day practice in early years settings. Before you start, you'll attend a short Meet the Team session so the college can plan your learning. NCFE Level 1 Award in an Introduction to Early Years Settings with certificate.

Who this course is for

"This short interactive qualification will introduce you to the knowledge and skills required for working in early years and help prepare you for working in the sector. As part of the Childcare L1 full programme, learners will also complete a Prep for Employment course.

Prior to the course, you will need to come in to Meet The Team - these sessions could last 3 hours. You will need to book a session by emailing [email protected] or calling 01375 372476."

Entry requirements

"You must have good skills/knowledge at the previous level.

You will need to come in to Meet The Team - these sessions could last 3 hours. You will need to book a session via the enrolment button on our website, or by calling 01375 372476."

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the knowledge and skills needed to work in early years settings.
  • You'll learn about child development in the early years.
  • You'll understand safeguarding and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll discover the roles and responsibilities of early years practitioners.
  • You'll learn about daily routines and practice in nurseries and childcare settings.
  • You'll develop an understanding of how to support children's learning and play.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom based, with interactive sessions that cover both knowledge and practical skills. You'll be assessed through tasks and activities linked to working in early years settings. The course is designed to be engaging and hands-on, building your understanding through discussion, group work, and guided learning across the 19 weeks.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Thurrock Adult Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: support children's play and daily routines in a nursery.
  • Childcare assistant: help with care and activities in a childcare setting.
  • Early years helper: assist practitioners in pre-school or nursery environments.
  • Playgroup assistant: support children's learning and play in community groups.
  • Creche worker: supervise and care for young children in creche settings.

What you could study next

This Level 1 early years certificate is a stepping stone to further study in the sector.

  • Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Practice: builds on this foundation with more detailed childcare knowledge.
  • Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: a fuller qualification that can count toward nursery staffing roles.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the goal for many working in the sector long-term.
Apply on courses.thurrockglobal.net →
Apply now →

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