Caring for Children (Early Years Pathway) Level 1
Summary
Are you considering a career working with young children and want to build your confidence before taking the next step? This course is a practical, entry-level qualification designed to introduce you to the essential knowledge and skills needed to care for children aged 0–5. It’s ideal for those new to the sector or returning to education, offering a supportive and accessible route into early years care.
This course explores key areas such as child development, play, health and safety, and routines that support children’s well-being. You’ll gain a better understanding of how to create safe, nurturing environments and how to support children’s learning through everyday activities. Whether you’re preparing for further study or looking to volunteer in a nursery or preschool, this course provides a strong foundation for your journey into the early years profession.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
03 Nov 2026
|
Bispham Campus
|
5 Weeks
|
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This is an excellent starting point for anyone looking to begin a career in early years education or childcare. While this qualification is primarily an introduction, it opens the door to a wide range of opportunities in nurseries, preschools, playgroups, and other early years settings. It’s particularly suited to those seeking voluntary or entry-level roles where they can gain hands-on experience while continuing to build their skills.
Together, these qualifications prepare learners for more advanced roles such as Early Years Practitioner, Nursery Assistant, or Childcare Support Worker, and provide a strong foundation for further study or employment in the childcare and education sectors.
This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Early Years Pathway, which includes the following courses.
EARLY YEARS PATHWAY
Employment Opportunities
While this is an introductory qualification, it equips learners with valuable foundational knowledge and personal development skills that are highly regarded in early years settings. For those choosing to move directly into employment or voluntary work after completing this course, potential job roles may include:
Early Years Setting Volunteer | Nursery Assistant (Trainee or Support Role) | Playgroup Assistant | Crèche Support Worker | Parent and Toddler Group Helper | After-School Club or Holiday Club Assistant
These roles are ideal for gaining practical experience while working towards further qualifications and can serve as a stepping stone into more formal early years careers.
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.
Qualification obtained
Award in Caring for ChildrenFees 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.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: NCFE
Terms and conditions
Read our full Terms and Conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
This course introduces you to a wide range of topics that support the care, development, and well-being of young children. Each unit is designed to give you practical knowledge and insight into how children grow, learn, and thrive in early years settings. You’ll explore how to create engaging play experiences, promote healthy lifestyles, and build positive relationships with children.
You will study the following units:
- Understanding Learning and Development Through Play – Explore play as a learning tool
- Growth and Development of Young Children – Track early childhood milestones
- Respecting and Valuing Children – Promote inclusive and respectful care
- Listening to and Talking With a Young Child – Build communication and trust
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
There is no mandatory work placement required for this course, making it accessible to learners who may not yet be working or volunteering in an early years setting. However, gaining voluntary or part-time experience in a nursery, preschool, or similar environment is highly encouraged, as it can enhance your understanding of the course content and improve your future employability.
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 and you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme.
The programme primarily focuses on theoretical knowledge but also includes practical hands-on elements to enhance learning and application. 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.