Course Overview
A Childcare course is the ideal choice if you are passionate about helping children learn, grow, and reach their full potential. You’ll develop the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to support children’s learning, development, health, and wellbeing from birth through to primary school age.
Through a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience, you’ll explore child development, play, safeguarding, communication, and inclusive practice, preparing you for higher education or a rewarding career working with children and families.
This qualification prepares you to work in a supervised capacity with children and their families in a variety of settings and environments within children’s services.
Our courses provide an opportunity for you to gain valuable work experience alongside your studies, so you learn on the job and not just in the classroom. Our team of highly qualified staff use their professional experience to keep courses up to date with the latest developments in the sector.
They will teach you important links between theory and practice, which will ensure that you are fully prepared to meet the challenges of this rewarding career. A DBS check will be carried out as part of the course in order to work with vulnerable people.
Entry Requirements
- Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English or maths, a keen interest in childcare and willingness to learn, both in the classroom and on work placements.
- Students will also need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service application to attend work placements. More information about your Disclosure and Barring Service check will be provided at enrolment.
Course Structure
Course Description
This course develops your understanding of the principles of childcare and working with children. You will explore topics including child development, health and wellbeing, safeguarding, and creating positive learning environments, preparing you for progression to higher-level study or a career in Early Years.
You will learn:
- Unit CFC 1.3: Support physical care routines for children
- Unit 10: Supporting children’s development
- Unit 11: Use observation, assessment and planning
- Unit 12: Support children’s positive behaviour
- Unit 3.13: Support children with additional needs
- Unit 3.8: Understand how to plan to meet the needs of developing children
- Unit 6: Supporting children’s play
- Unit CFC 13: Sharing learning experiences
- Unit CFC 18: Investigating a vocational area
- Unit CFC 9: Respecting and valuing
- Unit CL2A3: Craft activities with young children
- Unit CL2A4: Accident prevention and fire safety when babysitting
- Unit SS MU 2.1: Sensory loss
- Unit NH/L2 03: Use food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet
- Unit TDA2 2: Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
Work placement
Work placement is an essential part of all Early Years courses, giving you valuable experience in a real Early Years setting. Our dedicated Work Placement Officer will support you in finding a suitable placement and provide guidance throughout the process.
Before starting placement, all students must successfully complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
Uniform
Students are required to wear the Coastland College Early Years uniform while attending work placement.
The uniform consists of:
- Coastland College Early Years polo shirt
- Black trousers
- Black, sensible shoes
To meet professional standards within Early Years settings, students are not permitted to wear false nails while on placement.
Assessment
All Early Years courses are assessed through coursework, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills throughout the year.
Progression
- Apprenticeships within the Early Years sector
- Further study towards a career supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing
This course provides an excellent foundation for anyone looking to build a career in childcare.