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Free Level 1 Early Years Course in Saint Helens

CostFREE
Duration6 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Early Years Course in Saint Helens. Classes run at St Helens Adult and Community Learning, during the day on a part-time basis. The course runs over 6 weeks and introduces you to the skills involved in caring for young children. You'll explore how children learn through play, how to support their development, and how to plan creative activities. No previous experience is needed; you'll have an initial assessment to confirm this level 1 early years qualification is the right starting point for you. Volunteering in an early years setting alongside the course is recommended but not required.

Who this course is for

This course is for adults aged 19+ interested in working in an Early Year’s setting and is a good next step for those who have studied the Award/Certificate programmes. This could also include parents and volunteers who would like to play a part in early years settings such as pre-schools.

Entry requirements

No previous experience is necessary although you will need a working knowledge of English to take part in discussions and complete some written tasks. It is not a requirement, but it is recommended that you volunteer in an Early Years setting during the course.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how to share learning experiences with young children.
  • You'll develop craft activities designed to support children's creativity.
  • You'll understand how children learn and develop through play.
  • You'll build awareness of the skills needed to care for young children in a setting.
  • You'll practise contributing to discussions and completing written tasks about early years practice.

How you will learn

Classes are held in a classroom setting, one session per week. You'll take part in group discussions and complete written tasks. Assessment is through coursework and activities completed during the course rather than a formal exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. St Helens Adult and Community Learning will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: support children's play and daily routines
  • Pre-school helper: assist in a community pre-school setting
  • Childminder's assistant: support a registered childminder at home
  • Volunteer in an early years setting: gain hands-on experience with young children
  • Playgroup worker: help run sessions for toddlers and young children

What you could study next

This free early years course is a natural step toward further study in childcare and education. You could progress to a Level 2 Certificate in Childcare, which covers child development, safeguarding, and learning environments in more depth. From there, a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, opening the door to roles such as room leader or key person in a registered setting.

Apply on sthelens.gov.uk →
Apply now →

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