Course: Childcare and Education
Study Level
Level 1
Level 2
Location
Great Yarmouth Campus
Lowestoft Campus
Duration
1-2 Years
FT / PT
Full-time
Please note, this course is aimed at students aged 16 to 18, however places for applicants aged 19 and over may be on offer subject to availability. Please contact admissions@eastcoast.ac.uk for more information.
This course is for those passionate about transforming lives through early education. You’ll gain a deep understanding of child development, play and learning, safeguarding, additional needs and international early education approaches, equipping you to make a lifelong impact on children and families.
Access our specialist simulated nurseries, The Hive and The Nest, providing a safe environment to rehearse professional practice before real placements. With a licence to practise and hands-on support from expert Workplace Assessors, you’ll develop the confidence to nurture every child’s potential, particularly during the crucial earliest years for brain development and wellbeing.
As part of our commitment to global perspectives, many students participate in International placements through the Turing Scheme, with past experiences including Italy and New Zealand. Here, they’ve explored how diverse cultures support children to thrive. Join us to help children, families and communities flourish for generations.
Why study with us?
- Get comfortable in the industry environment with our simulated nurseries.
- Excellent partnerships and placement opportunities with schools and nurseries across Norfolk and Suffolk, creating additional learning opportunities to meet local needs.
- Opportunities to travel the globe through the Turing Scheme with previous educational trips taking students to New Zealand and Italy.
Units you may study include:
- Child development
- Observation
- Working with families
- Behaviour
- Safeguarding, health and safety
- SEND
Requirements
Our course is suitable for students who have a desire to work in the care industry and wish to explore careers in either Childcare or Health and Social Care.
For Level 1 entry, you will need to have achieved four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English and maths.
For Level 2 entry, you will need to have achieved four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and maths.
These entry grades are set as a guide, however we encourage students who are interested in this course and unsure of the grades they will achieve to submit an application and come along for a discussion with the course lecturer to assess your suitability.
Assessment
You will be assessed through portfolio work.
Progression
Career options might include teaching, early years leader, specialist roles such as SENCO lead, safeguarding, SEND lead, speech and language therapist, paediatric nursing, midwife, early years practitioner and many more.
Childcare is an excellent course if you want to go onto study a degree in subjects such as midwifery, paediatric nursing or early childhood. Or alternatively, you can go into an apprenticeship or straight into employment
You can study a degree with us via the University of Suffolk at East Coast College with courses including:
- BA (Hons) Early Years and Childhood Studies (Progression Route)
- FdA Children’s Health, Play and Wellbeing
- FdA Early Years and Childhood Studies
- Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) /Certificate in Education
"Woodlands has a strong and professional working relationship with East Coast College. The students we have on placement with us are very pleasant, helpful and eager to learn and we encourage them at our setting. The students are well supported by the college and the team are always on hand to provide advice. We feel this is a mutually beneficial arrangement as we always welcome an extra pair of hands. The students gain valuable experience and learning opportunities to support their college course."
Woodlands Primary Academy
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