Menu

Important Notice

We are no longer taking any international or overseas applications for academic year 2026-2027. Applications for academic year 2027-2028 will re-open towards the end of September 2026. If you have any questions about our future courses, please contact 0808 100 3626.

Beginners Early Years - Level 1

IMPORTANT
Applications are now open for academic year 2026/2027, but our full-time courses are still being finalised. If your chosen course changes, we'll contact you to offer a suitable alternative that matches your goals. For more information, call our Enquiries Team on 0808 100 3626.

What is the beginners early years course?

The Beginners Early Years - Level 1 course is designed for students who are interested in working with young children, and developing the skills needed for a future career in childcare, education or related sectors.

This beginners course combines classroom-based learning with hands-on practical learning in our early years practice room alongside a work placement. You will gain an understanding of child development, how children learn through play, and the importance of health and safety when working in an early years setting.

Who should study the beginners early years qualification?

This course is ideal for school leavers aged 16-18 who are:

  • Interested in working with babies, children or young people, and want to learn more about child development and early years education
  • Looking to progress to a Level 2 course or apprenticeship in education and early years.

What will you learn on the beginners early years course?

Throughout the course, you will develop essential sector-specific knowledge and practical skills to help you develop a strong foundation in the early years sector.

Topics include:

  • Understanding children's learning and development through play
  • Teamwork and personal development skills
  • Experiencing the world of work and work placement preparation
  • Introduction to forest schools
  • Health and safety when working with young children
  • Planning and creating activities for your work placement
  • Building knowledge of child development.

When does the beginners early years start?

This course starts in September 2026.

How is the beginners early years course delivered?

The course is delivered through a combination of:

  • Classroom-based learning
  • Practical activities in our early years practice room
  • Work experience.

This blended approach helps students develop both the practical and theoretical skills required for further study in the childcare and education sector.

  • Entry requirements

    This course is only available to those aged 16-18 years.

    • GCSE English Language or Maths at grade 3-9 plus four GCSEs at grade 2-9 (one must be English Language or Maths)
    • You will need to attend an applicant event and have a successful DBS check
    • You will also need a positive attitude to learning and commitment to good attendance at college and your work placement.

    If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses. If you are not planning on sitting GCSE exams, we can also support you with completing an English Language and Maths assessment. Please contact our admissions team for further details:

    • 01623 413639
    • This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
  • Assessment

    You will be assessed by a range of methods including practical activities, booklets, portfolio, posters, and a report from your work placement.

  • Progression
  • Careers
  • Studying Education and Early Years at West Notts College

    Discover what it is really like to study with us. Explore the full range of courses available, hear from our students, see the facilities you will train in, and discover the employer partners you could work with.

    You can also browse galleries and get a real feel for college life before you apply.

    Visit the subject area page

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.

Why choose us?

Excellent student support services

We’ve got a great student support network offering advice and guidance on careers and future employment, finance, health and welfare, additional learning support and much more.

Getting here couldn’t be easier!

Whether you travel by bus, train or on foot there are many different transport options available. You can also unleash your freedom with the West Notts College Travel Scheme which provides a flexible and great value bus travel service.

Campuses across Mansfield and Ashfield

We have eight campuses each boasting a number of state-of-the-art facilities.

Strong industry links

We’re always investing in college facilities to make sure you have access to the most up-to-date, industry-standard equipment. Our strong links with employers means you can secure work placements as part of your wider learning – providing you with vital industry experience and employability skills, getting you ready for the world of work.

Tutors who really know their industry

Most have worked in the industry they're teaching, so you'll learn the skills employers are looking for. They'll support and encourage you to achieve the best results possible.

LGBTQ+ celebration

We proudly celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity, including Pride. Our college is a supportive community that welcomes and embraces individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

Test