Free Level 3 Applied General Award for Early Years, Childcare and Education Course in Retford. Classes run at Retford Oaks Academy, full-time during the day. You'll need a minimum GCSE grade 5 in English and Maths to enrol. The course runs over 24 months and covers the knowledge and skills needed to work with young children in early years and childcare settings. It's a strong foundation for a career as a nursery practitioner or for progressing to further study in childcare or education.
Who this course is for
This course is for anyone move on toing from GCSE with a keen interest in acting or theatre design. You may be choosing this course because you're interested in working in the theatre or aiming to study drama or performing arts at university, though it will provide you with a range of transferable skills including creativity, communication and teamwork that can be used in a variety of careers. This course compliments other arts and humanities subjects such as English language, English literature and history.
Entry requirements
Minimum GCSE 5 in English and Maths
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
You'll explore how to support children's learning and play in early years settings.
You'll study safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
You'll learn about health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.
You'll understand how to work with parents, carers, and other professionals.
You'll build skills in observation and assessment of children's progress.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Retford Oaks Academy, with full-time daytime attendance across the two-year course. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, assignments, and practical tasks. You'll build a portfolio of evidence alongside written work to demonstrate your understanding of early years practice.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Retford Oaks Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in nursery settings.
Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in early years rooms.
Childcare worker: delivering care and activities in day nurseries or crèches.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting children in Reception classes.
Playgroup leader: running sessions for pre-school children in community settings.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. A natural next step if you want to qualify as an Early Years Educator.
Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants: for those moving into school-based early years roles.
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies: university-level study building on your Level 3 applied general award for early years, childcare and education qualification.
