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

Sue Mountain - Head of Children & Early Years
I have worked at Oaklands for a year, but have worked in Further Education for the last ten years, five years as a Head of Department and five as a lecturer. Prior to working in Education I was a Senior Officer in the Prison service for ten years. I am passionate about ensuring young people have every opportunity to meet their potential no matter what their background or prior qualifications. I believe that with the right support everyone can succeed and move on to their chosen career. I have a fantastic team in Hair and Beauty/ Early Years and Health & Social Care who have the experience and share my passion to provide exceptional support to the students in our department that enable them to be successful in whatever path they choose.

Sue Mountain - Head of Children & Early Years

I have worked at Oaklands for a year, but have worked in Further Education for the last ten years, five years as a Head of Department and five as a lecturer. Prior to working in Education I was a Senior Officer in the Prison service for ten years. I am passionate about ensuring young people have every opportunity to meet their potential no matter what their background or prior qualifications. I believe that with the right support everyone can succeed and move on to their chosen career. I have a fantastic team in Hair and Beauty/ Early Years and Health & Social Care who have the experience and share my passion to provide exceptional support to the students in our department that enable them to be successful in whatever path they choose.

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)

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

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

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Full time
1YRDuration: 1 Year
WWelwyn Garden City Campus

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 apprenticeships 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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