Free Level 3 Children's Care, Learning and Development Course in Birmingham. Classes run at Park Hall Academy, full-time over 18 months. You'll need GCSE grade C or above in English, Maths and Science to enrol. The course covers child development, the role of play, and working in early years settings. Alongside classroom study, you spend one day a week on work placement at nurseries, pre-schools, and reception classes, plus a two-week block placement each term. This gives you direct, structured experience working with children from the start.
Who this course is for
We work closely with employers, early years organisations, early years specialists and higher education representatives to ensure that you have a wide range of experience in Early Years settings and also have the best preparation for the future. Students spend one day per week on work placements and a two week block placement at the end of each term at a:
Nursery, Pre school, Reception/Year1, Year 2
You will study the importance of play to the development of a child's self confidence and social skills. You will develop knowledge and understanding of why Active learning is seen as an appropriate way for children to develop vital skills and knowledge and as a positive attitude to learning. As early years specialists you will learn to encourage active learning which engages and challenges children's thinking using real life and imaginary situations.
Entry requirements
Grade C or above at GCSE English, Maths and Science
What you will learn
You'll study child development across the early years, including physical, cognitive, and social development.
You'll explore the importance of play and how it supports a child's confidence and social skills.
You'll learn how to plan and support learning activities in early years settings.
You'll develop an understanding of safeguarding, health, and welfare in childcare environments.
You'll gain practical experience in nurseries, pre-schools, and reception classes through weekly and block placements.
You'll build knowledge of working in partnership with families and other professionals.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Park Hall Academy alongside regular work placements. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and practical evidence gathered during your time in early years settings. One day per week is spent on placement, with a two-week block placement at the end of each term. Your classroom learning and placement experience are assessed together to build your full qualification portfolio.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Park Hall Academy will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery nurse: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in early years rooms.
Pre-school practitioner: planning and delivering play-based learning.
Reception class teaching assistant: supporting children in Year R and Year 1.
Early years keyworker: taking responsibility for a small group of children's development.
What you could study next
Level 5 Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies: a common next step for those moving toward senior practitioner or management roles in early years settings.
Level 6 BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Education: leads to Early Years Teacher Status and graduate-level roles.
Level 3 Award in Education and Training: useful if you want to move into training or assessing roles within childcare.
