Skip to main content
Apply now
Apply now
Entry Requirements icon

Entry Requirements

4 GCSE’s at Grade 4 including English language or Maths (resit in one of these, but must be a grade 3 achieved)

Study Mode icon

Study Mode

Full time

Duration icon

Duration

1 year

Timetable icon

Timetable

Check with tutor


Key features and Benefits

  • Get involved with The Forest School Experience and understand how children benefit from learning outdoors
  • Benefit from our longstanding partnerships with East Lancashire Hospital NHS Trust and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
  • Take part in work placements within the sector to put your knowledge into practice
  • Great preparation to advance to the T-Level Early Years
  • Experience our fantastic learning facilities such as The Health Ward and Immersive Suite

  • Overview

    This one year full time course is perfect for you if you want to work with children and also a great foundation to progress onto the T-Level Early Years. 

    The programme is designed to help you build the knowledge and skills required for working with children from birth to 8 years of age.  You will benefit from our Virtual Baby programme which provides a realistic and practical approach to looking after a new baby.

    You will be give the opportunity of work placements, with the ability to undertake 250 work placement hours.  Our dedicated placement team will support and assess you throughout this time.  Placements are located around your home area and will really boost your CV.  In addition we are also able to offer you enrichment activities e.g. educational visits to the Slavery Museum. 

    To further enhance your programme you will be provided with additional opportunities through our partners.   Blackburn College are proud partners with both East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust and The Forest School learning experience.  We are the first College in the country to offer the pioneering and innovative Forest learning experience within a natural outdoor environment.  

    Childcare is an extremely varied and rewarding career, offering opportunities to work within a nursery setting with babies and toddlers, or teaching young children in schools. 

    The qualification you will gain upon successful completion is awarded by CACHE which is the UK's most recognised Childcare and Education Awarding body.

  • What will I study?

    You will study:

    • How to supervise children
    • Supporting positive behaviour
    • Children and young people's behaviour and development
    • Safeguarding 
    • Understanding partnership working
    • Employability skills
    • GCSE Maths and English (where appropriate)
  • Entry Requirements

    You will need 4 GCSE’s at Grade 4 including English language or Maths (resit in one of these, but must be a grade 3 achieved).

    During the Level 2 course, you will be required to study for your Maths and/or English Language GSCE resit as part of your study programme.

    A successful DBS check will also be required.

  • How will I be assessed?

    You will be assessed by written tasks, activities and practical assessments.

    You will also be assessed whilst on a practical work placement.

  • Explore Your Career Options

    Click on each of the Careers to explore more - from top salaries to job descriptions

  • What can I do next?

    Upon completion of the Level 2 programme you will be able to:

    • progress onto the Early Years Educator Level 3 Diploma which upon successful completion will enhance your career opportunities and give you the option to go enrol onto a degree.
    • Start work as a Level 2 Nursery Assistant or a Teaching Assistant.
  • Your Study Programme

  • Discover other courses in Early Years

Group of students and staff cheering holding gold stars

98% Overall BTEC pass rate

August 2023 Results