If you're passionate about helping children learn, grow and thrive, this is the perfect place to begin building your future in early years. Designed to introduce you to the rewarding world of childcare, you'll develop the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to support the care, learning and development of children from birth to 5 years 11 months. You'll explore how children develop, the importance of play, health and wellbeing, and how to create positive, nurturing environments where young children can flourish. Alongside classroom learning, you'll gain valuable practical experience that helps build confidence, communication and teamwork skills, preparing you for further study and future employment. You'll be taught by experienced early years professionals who bring industry expertise and real-world insight into every lesson, helping you understand what it takes to make a positive difference in children's lives. This is an excellent first step towards a fulfilling career supporting the next generation.
No formal entry requirements.
| Study level | Cost |
|---|---|
| 16-18 | Free |
You will be assessed by your tutor or assessor using a range of methods. This could include tasks such as designing charts or leaflets, coursework or methods such as oral questioning.
Achieving a Grade 4 or above in GCSE Maths and English is important, but if you're not there yet, don’t worry! We provide supportive classes to help you meet these essential criteria. These subjects form the backbone of your educational toolkit, opening doors to further studies and exciting apprenticeships. Our sessions in Maths and English will equip you with the skills needed to thrive academically and professionally.
At Level 1, our courses are designed to lay a solid foundation without the requirement of a work placement, allowing you to focus fully on mastering the fundamentals of your chosen field. As you progress to Level 2 and Level 3, we encourage you to enhance your learning experience and boost your career prospects through targeted work placements. These opportunities are crafted to complement your studies and provide practical, hands-on experience in a real-world setting, preparing you to excel in a career you are passionate about.
At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.
This qualification encourages the learners’ understanding of the skills and knowledge needed to care for young children aged from birth to 5 years and 11 months. It is aimed at a range of learners, including young people needing to develop life skills as well as those who are thinking of working in childcare.
Overall credit value for Level 1 Certificate- 26
14 or more credits must be achieved from Group A. A further 12 credits must be achieved from either Group A or Group B.
Group A
Sharing learning experiences with children (4 credits)
Growth and development of young children (2 credits)
Children’s Play and Leisure activities in the community (2 credits)
Respecting and valuing children (2 credits)
Technology activities for young children (2 credits)
Musical activities for young children (2 credits)
Remaining credits from Group A/ B
Craft activities for young children (3 credits)
Understanding learning and development through play (3 credits)
Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people (3 credits)
Practical health and safety when with young children (3 credits)
Successful completion of this course provides a clear progression route onto the Foundation to T Level: Education & Early Years course, where you will continue building the skills and knowledge needed for a career supporting children from birth to 11 years. From there, you can progress to further qualifications, including a T Level or higher-level childcare courses, preparing you for a wide range of opportunities. Future careers could include roles in nurseries, pre-schools, primary schools, wraparound childcare, and other early years settings, giving you the chance to make a lasting difference to children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
Find out everything you need to know about Sunderland College and our exciting range of courses!
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Rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted
Ofsted, 2024
94% Overall pass rate for T Levels
2022-23
Top performing college group in the North East for student achievement
NARTS, 16-18 Students, 2024
We have International award winning Immersive Spaces at both Bede and City Campus
