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Free Level 3 Childcare Course in Northampton

CostFREE
Duration9 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Childcare and Education Course in Northampton. Classes run at Northampton College, full-time during the day. This level 3 childcare and education qualification covers working with children from birth to 19 years, and up to 25 for those with SEND. The course runs for 9 months and builds the knowledge and practical skills you need to work in nurseries, schools, and other early years settings. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths, and Science; equivalent qualifications are considered.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal if you have an interest in working with children from birth to 19 years (or 25 under SEND). If you would like a career in primary school teaching, this course is ideal for you.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade A*-C (9-4) English Language, Maths and science GCSEs must be at grade C (4) or better

Equivalent qualifications will be considered. In exceptional circumstances, applications which do not meet the formal entry criteria may be considered on an individual basis.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 19 years.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support learning activities for young children.
  • You'll understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
  • You'll explore how to support children with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).
  • You'll learn about health, wellbeing, and nutrition in early years settings.
  • You'll study how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll understand the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern childcare settings.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Northampton College, combining taught theory with practical tasks. Assessment includes written assignments, observations in practice settings, and knowledge-based assessments. You'll build a portfolio of evidence throughout the course to demonstrate your competence across the qualification's units.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Northampton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: work with children in a nursery or preschool setting.
  • Nursery nurse: support children's care and early learning day to day.
  • Teaching assistant: support classroom learning in a primary school.
  • Early years educator: lead activities and learning for young children.
  • SEND support assistant: work with children who have additional needs.
  • Playworker: plan and run play sessions in after-school or holiday clubs.
  • Childminder: provide registered childcare in a home setting.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator (NVQ or Diploma): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. If you want to count in those ratios, this is the route to explore.
  • Level 4 Certificate in Early Years Advanced Practice: deepens your expertise for senior practitioner or room-leader roles.
  • BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies or Primary Education: for those considering a move into teaching or leadership in early years.
Apply on northamptoncollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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