Children & Early Years Courses in Hertfordshire

Our courses help students develop their interest in childcare into a career by offering a comprehensive course of study. The courses cover different aspects of learning and development and include work experience to prepare you for employment.

How our students benefit?

Gain practical experience in local nurseries and primary schools we work with
Work with children within different age ranges to develop your professional practice skills
Various progression routes available, depending on your previous experience and aspirations

We offer a wide range of choices if your ambition is to work with young children, whether you are currently working with young children and want to gain additional qualifications or have no formal qualifications. Our close links with local day nurseries, primary schools, as well as our own day nursery give you the practical-hands on experience you will need to succeed in this area.

All of our full time programmes include opportunities to support and enhance your learning so that you can achieve your goals and ambitions. Students enrol on a Study Programme which individualises their education whilst enhancing their employability skills. A Study programme is made up of four key elements which includes a main vocational qualification, the development of English and maths through the study of GCSE’s or Functional Skills, Work-related learning through work experience and Personal Development Reviews.

Find a course to suit you from the list below. If you get stuck, don’t worry, help is at hand just call us on 01727 737000 or email info@oaklands.ac.uk

Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education (CACHE)

This qualifications is designed to help you build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children and young people from birth to 19 years of age. It will prepare you for a range of job roles working in Early Years.

Full time
1YRDuration: 1 Year
2Full Level 2
WWelwyn Garden City Campus

Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

This qualification is the ideal route into employment working in a support role in school. The Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools has been specifically designed to teach the skills needed to begin working in schools and develops understanding of the legislation, relationships and developmental techniques that are required for this role.

Part time
30WKDuration: 30 weeks
3Level 3
SSt Albans Campus

Level 3 Certificate and Diploma in Childcare & Education (CACHE)

The course consists of days in college as well as practical training in work placements that link directly to the coursework. You will study child development from birth to 19 years, supporting and keeping children safe.

Full time
1YRDuration: 1 Year
WWelwyn Garden City Campus

Level 3 Diploma in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools (Workbased)

The Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (QCF) is a level 3 unit based qualification requiring a minimum of 44 credits to achieve, comprising 11 mandatory units (32credits) and optional units (12credits). CACHE is the national awarding body and this is the new qualification developed by the sector skills council to meet the needs of practitioners in schools.

Part time
nkDuration: nk
3Full Level 3
HWork-Based

Apprenticeships in Children & Early Years

Apprenticeships in Childcare and Early Years

We offer Apprenticeships in Early Years Educator at Level 2 and Level 3 together with Apprenticeships in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools also at Level 2 and Level 3. These pprenticeships are based on real work experience together with underpinning knowledge delivered by a qualified and experienced assessor. Training, supervision, mentoring and coaching will take place off-the-job. This qualification will provide learners with a secure understanding of the knowledge and skills needed to support staff, children or young people an early years setting or school environment.

Full / Part Time
nkDuration: nk
WWelwyn Garden City Campus

Foundation Degrees

This is a nationally-recognised degree qualification in its own right, and can also lead onto the final year of an Honours Degree programme. At Oaklands College we deliver foundation degrees validated by University of Hertfordshire.

While studying towards a foundation degree you will have access to a wide range of services and facilities at Oaklands College as well as having access to facilities at the University of Hertfordshire, including:

Learning Resource Centre – open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during term time
Sports Village – take advantage of excellent health, fitness and swimming facilities
StudyNet – a virtual learning environment providing online course materials
Students' Union – join a club, meet new people and enjoy a taste of university life

Foundation Degree in Early Years (part-time)

If you've got experience in childcare and would like to build on this by gaining a qualification, our Foundation degree in Early Years is designed for you. It's been developed in full consultation with employers.

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