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Level 1 Childcare Course in Barnstaple

Cost£790.00
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Level 1 Childcare Course in Barnstaple. Classes run at North Devon College, full-time during the day. The course runs over 36 weeks and covers the foundations of caring for children and early years practice. You'll explore child development, safeguarding, and how to support children's wellbeing. No prior childcare experience is needed. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the level is right for you.

Who this course is for

Learners aged 16 and above who have a passion for early years practice, who would like to learn more about children.

Entry requirements

A passion for working with children.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children grow and develop from birth through early childhood.
  • You'll learn how to keep children safe and understand safeguarding responsibilities.
  • You'll study how to support children's physical, emotional, and social wellbeing.
  • You'll learn about play and how it supports children's learning.
  • You'll understand how to communicate effectively with children and their families.
  • You'll look at the roles and responsibilities of people who work with children.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at North Devon College. Assessment is through assignments and coursework completed during the course. There are no formal written exams. Your work will be assessed against the NCFE qualification standards throughout the 36 weeks.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: support children's learning and daily routines in a nursery setting.
  • Childcare worker: care for young children in a daycare or community setting.
  • Youth support worker: work with young people in schools, youth clubs, or community projects.
  • Playworker: lead play activities for children in after-school or holiday clubs.
  • Teaching assistant: support children's learning in a primary school classroom.
  • Early years practitioner: work in a nursery or pre-school under qualified supervision.

What you could study next

A Level 1 childcare qualification opens the door to further study in early years and childcare. You could move on to a Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education, which takes you closer to working independently in a nursery or school setting. From there, a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification is the standard required for senior roles in statutory staffing ratios. Some learners also progress into a Level 2 or 3 Award in Youth Work or Supporting Teaching and Learning.

Apply on petroc.ac.uk →
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