Early Years Pathway
Summary
Are you looking to start or develop a career working with young children in a supportive, flexible, and rewarding environment? The Early Years Pathway at Blackpool and The Fylde College offers a structured progression of qualifications designed to build your confidence, knowledge, and practical skills in childcare and early years education. Whether you're new to the sector or returning to learning, this pathway provides a clear route into employment or further study in the early years field.
This pathway is designed as a progressive programme made up of several courses. You will advance through each of the following qualifications that build upon each other to develop your knowledge, skills and experience, with each level of learning preparing you for the next.
- Caring for Children (Early Years Pathway) - Level 1
- Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent (Early Years Pathway) - Level 2
- Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses (Early Years Pathway) - Level 2
- Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health (Early Years Pathway) - Level 2
Together, these qualifications prepare you for roles such as Nursery Assistant, Early Years Practitioner, or Family Support Worker, and provide a strong foundation for progression into Level 3 study or employment in regulated childcare settings.
Next course dates
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Anytime
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Bispham Campus
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Anytime
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Bispham Campus
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Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Early Years Pathway is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to begin or develop a career in early years education, childcare, or family support. It’s particularly suited to those seeking voluntary or entry-level roles, as well as those aiming to progress into more advanced or specialist positions.
Together, these qualifications prepare learners for roles such as Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Assistant, Childcare Support Worker, or Family Support Volunteer, and provide a strong foundation for further study, including Level 3 qualifications required for regulated roles in the childcare and education sectors.
Employment Opportunities
Potential job titles include:
Early Years Setting Volunteer | Nursery Assistant (Trainee or Support Role) | Playgroup or Crèche Assistant | Childcare Support Worker | After-School Club or Holiday Club Assistant | Parent and Toddler Group Helper | Family Support Volunteer | Pastoral Support Assistant | Mental Health and Wellbeing Champion (in early years settings) | Health and Wellbeing Champion (in early years or community settings)
Key information
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course. However, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. This check is typically arranged through your employer or placement provider.
- English and Maths: A basic level of proficiency in English and Maths is recommended to support your learning and understanding of the course content.
These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people.
Fees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
The Early Years Pathway is made up of five qualifications, each designed to build your knowledge and confidence in key areas of early years care:
- NCFE Level 1 Award in Caring for Children
Introduction to child care basics - NCFE Level 1 Diploma in Caring for Children (RPL)
Broader skills in child development - NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent
Protecting children and recognising risks - NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Childhood Illnesses
Managing common childhood health issues - NCFE Level 2 Certificate Technical Specialist in Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years
Supporting emotional wellbeing in children
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
A mandatory work placement is required alongside this course to support the development of practical skills and reinforce your understanding of how to support mental health and wellbeing in early years settings. Learners must be working or volunteering in a relevant environment, such as a nursery, preschool, or childminding setting, to meet the assessment requirements of the qualification.
At Blackpool and The Fylde College, we enrich your learning experience through a variety of guest speakers and employer engagement activities. These may include visits from early years professionals, local childcare providers, and family support services, offering valuable insights into real-world practice. These sessions provide opportunities to ask questions, explore career pathways, and connect classroom learning with the realities of working in early years care.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme.
Teaching takes place in hybrid classrooms, allowing for interactive, tutor-led sessions that support both classroom-based and remote participation when appropriate. The programme primarily focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world care scenarios. This flexible approach ensures that students can engage with the material in a way that best suits their needs.
Interactive Lectures: Engaging lectures that encourage student participation and discussion.
Group Work: Collaborative projects and activities that foster teamwork and communication skills.
Practical Workshops: Hands-on sessions where students can apply theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios.
Online Resources: Access to a wealth of online materials, including videos, articles, and interactive modules.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks.
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate support.
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass.
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding.