A career in Childcare can be very rewarding, and can introduce you to opportunities where you are able to work with and support some of the most vulnerable children in our communities. This course will give you a good understanding of what skills and knowledge are needed to be successful in a career in the Childcare sector.
What makes Childcare at HRC special?
- You will be taught by lecturers who have a real passion for this sector
- Our lecturers have lots of experience in Childcare, making them the best team to support you through your course
- You will complete work experience designed to help you understand the realities of a career in this sector
- You will meet different employers during your course, with whom you can network
- You will contribute to fund-raising activities that will support your local communities
What do our students say?
"I started HRC with a low self-esteem and uncertainty about my future. Then, at college doing a Childcare course, I began to find some confidence, started building positive relationships with people and I gained some valuable work experience which I can now put on my CV. I was supported at college and had the opportunity to learn about subjects that interested me"
"I found this course so helpful in getting a head start. I wasn't very confident in my skills before I started, but the tutors have been so supportive and now I'm ready to take on an Apprenticeship"
Career Destinations
We are proud that our students go onto careers including:
- Nanny
- Nursery Worker
- Teaching Assistant
- Teacher
- Children's Nurse
- Child Psychologist
- Play Therapist
What can I do next?
After you have successfully completed this course, you can choose to:
- Take on a new course with us, including:
- CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education (course code ECH210A)
- Health and Social Care Diploma - Level 3
- An Advanced Apprenticeship in Health and Social Care or Early Years Education
- Enter into employment in this industry
What will I be doing?
You will be introduced to a range of childcare settings designed to begin developing your understanding of this sector.
This course consists of units that will cover, child development, anatomy and physiology, creative and therapeutic activities, literacy and numeracy in early years plus more.
You will also be given work placements in appropriate companies to begin building your practical experiences.
Added Extras
You will have the opportunity to take part in lots of different trips, visits and events. The teaching team are also very dedicated to supporting the service users and companies who support our students by providing work placements.
This means you will have the chance to work on fund-raising events and parties, including the annual end-of-year 'thank you' party for all local service users who engage with the college.
In summary you will:
- Have year-long industry placements
- Have enrichment opportunities e.g. charity fundraisers
- Participate in employer workshops
- Participate in employer's 'thank you event'
- Attend trips e.g. Nursery World Exhibition
- Attend classes with visiting speakers
How will I be assessed?
You will undertake a range of assignments which will test your ongoing learning, as well as challenge you to demonstrate your strengths. You will also be assessed through your performance on your work placements.
Entry requirements
To take on this course you will need:
- At least 200 GCSE points
- GCSE Grade 4/C in English and maths, plus three other GCSE subjects at Grade 4/C or above OR a Merit at Level 2 plus English and maths at Grade 4/C or above
- A successful Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)
- To demonstrate your suitability to work with children and adults, including showing empathy, and an interest in helping others, along with good communication and interpersonal skills
If you would like help understanding our entry requirements, give our Information Team a call on 01992 411411.
What do I need to bring?
You will be required to contribute a cost towards trips, as well as purchasing a text book, polo shirt and a DBS certificate.
You will also need to bring appropriate note-taking items with you, including a notepad, pen and pencil.
If you think you would benefit from financial support we have bursary options available for those who meet the criteria. Please note, this funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application.
If you would like financial support, contact our Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Fee Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31st August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on the 31st August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
