Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Brighton. Classes run at Varndean College, with work placements in schools or nurseries alongside your daytime study. You'll need a Grade 4 in GCSE Maths and a completed DBS certificate to apply. Over two years, you'll cover child development from birth to 19 years, safeguarding, behaviour management, observation and planning, equality and diversity, and additional needs. Year two focuses on working with children aged 0 to 7. This childcare and education qualification prepares you for roles including nursery practitioner and teaching assistant, and provides a strong foundation for university study.
Who this course is for
This is a two-year technical course covering core educational themes from birth to nineteen years with specialist early years education and care content from birth to seven years. This course provides excellent opportunity for academic study alongside practical experience. Successful completion of the two years will enable students to enter the workplace as a qualified practitioner in roles such as nursery practitioner, teaching assistant, nanny, holiday rep, and other related employment. The academic skills you will develop will provide a strong basis for university study such as primary teaching, early childhood studies, special needs education and other related subjects.
Entry requirements
Standard Advanced Level entry requirements, including Grade 4 in GCSE Maths
You will also need a completed DBS certificate.
A commitment to hard work and a real interest in working with children is essential.
What you will learn
You'll study child development from birth to 19 years, including key theories and concepts.
You'll learn safeguarding principles and how to apply them in education and care settings.
You'll develop skills in behaviour management, observation, assessment, and planning.
You'll explore equality and diversity, additional needs, and working with others.
You'll complete an Employer Set Project, applying your knowledge to a real industry problem.
You'll develop specialist knowledge of early years education and care for children aged 0 to 7.
You'll gain practical experience through work placements in schools or nurseries.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Varndean College and complete work placements in a school or nursery in both years. Assessment includes an Employer Set Project set by education and early years specialists. The course combines academic study with hands-on practical experience across the two years.
What you will need to bring
You'll need a completed DBS certificate before you start. Varndean College will confirm anything else you need ahead of your first day.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
Teaching assistant: supporting teachers and pupils in primary or special schools.
Nanny: providing childcare in a family home environment.
Early years educator: qualified role in nursery or pre-school settings.
Holiday rep (children's activities): leading activities for children in leisure settings.
Learning support assistant: helping children with additional needs in school.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies: a degree that deepens your understanding of child development and policy.
BA (Hons) Primary Education (QTS): the route to becoming a qualified primary school teacher.
BA (Hons) Special Educational Needs and Disability: for those wanting to specialise in supporting children with additional needs.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care: for those moving into senior or management roles in early years settings.
