Free Level 3 Childcare Course in Gateshead

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Gateshead. Classes run at Gateshead College Baltic Campus. You'll study full-time during the day, completing the course in one year. The programme covers working with children from birth to 5 years, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience in an on-site nursery. On completion, you're qualified to work in an unsupervised early years role. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and maths, to be considered. This is a recognised level 3 childcare and education qualification from NCFE.

Who this course is for

This programme will prepare you to become an early years educator. On completion of the course, you'll be qualified to work with children in an unsupervised role from birth to 5 years or you can apply for a higher education degree programme. What will I study? -You will gain valuable 'hands-on' experience in our outstanding nursery classroom and will carry out a range of activities in this setting to build your knowledge and confidence. Practical activities will include trips and visits, hearing from guest speakers and presentation work as well as assignment work. You'll have an individual learning plan which will set out your targets to ensure you're stretched and challenged to reach your full potential. You'll also have the chance to work on special projects with local organisations such as Seven Stories.

Work Experience: As part of the course you'll undertake work experience in a range of different work environments such as nurseries and primary schools. These placements will give you an opportunity to put what you learn in the classroom into practice and to build a CV packed full of work relevant skills and valuable experience. You'll develop the practical skills employers look for as well as the softer skills such as communication and team working.

Entry requirements

Qualifications needed

5 GCSEs grade A*-C (9-4) including English Language and maths.

Required experience

Experience of caring for others is not essential but would be beneficial.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills for working with children from birth to 5 years in early years settings.
  • You'll learn how to plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that support children's development.
  • You'll understand child development across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional areas.
  • You'll gain knowledge of safeguarding, child protection, and your legal responsibilities.
  • You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress and keep accurate records.
  • You'll explore health, safety, and wellbeing practices in childcare environments.
  • You'll build experience through hands-on work in an on-site nursery classroom.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions and practical, hands-on experience in an on-site nursery. Learning includes trips, visits, and real activities with children. Assessment is through a combination of coursework, observations in practice, and written tasks. Your progress will be assessed throughout the year rather than through a single end exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Gateshead College Baltic Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to 5 in a nursery
  • Room leader: leading a room or age group within a nursery setting
  • Early years educator: delivering learning activities in a pre-school or nursery
  • Childminder: registered self-employed childcare for children in your home
  • Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in a day nursery
  • Pre-school worker: supporting children's learning in a pre-school setting

What you could study next

  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies: a higher education route into senior practitioner or leadership roles in early years settings.
  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education: a full degree for those aiming toward management, advisory, or teaching roles in early years.
  • Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner: a higher-level vocational qualification for those moving into leadership within a nursery or pre-school.

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