Staff teaching students Early Years

Childcare Courses

Inspire Young Minds & Shape Bright Futures

Childcare courses for School-Leavers (16-18)

Nurturing, caring and a genuine interest in encouraging children to flourish and grow. Could these qualities describe you?

A career in the Early Years sector working with young children and their families will give you the space to fulfil your passion for supporting early learning and providing fun activities that enable exploration and development.

Why Early Years Matter More Than Ever

From the moment a baby is born they are actively learning about themselves and the world around them. Each child is unique with different needs. Research shows that the first five years of children’s lives are the most important for laying the foundations for their learning and ongoing development.

You could be the difference to their later lives, nurturing active young minds in safe enabling environments and giving access to high quality early years experiences, so the difficult transition into school can be much easier. You have the chance to support babies, toddlers and pre-school children as they learn, develop and prepare for school, as you too grow in experience and confidence.

Shape Your Career

Plenty of routes are available for you if you want to work with children – from childminder to nanny to nursery manager. You could become a youth worker or play worker in breakfast and after school clubs or holiday play schemes. If you have a passion and dedication to early years education you could be supporting in schools, teaching in primary schools or providing children with a safe place to play in a crèche.

Fun, Fulfillment And Lifelong Impact

If you enjoy working with children and take pride in each individual child’s wellbeing and achievements, you will be helping to ensure they reach their maximum potential. You will laugh, smile and your day might be just as fun for you as it is for the children! Immense satisfaction of seeing children develop skills and knowledge that they will use throughout their entire lives makes Early Years an exciting and extremely rewarding career for you to pursue.

So browse our Early Years and Childcare courses and discover the amazing work experience opportunities available to you during your time at college.

Why Choose Our Early Years Courses

Here’s why you should apply now:

  • Great work experience opportunities in the Childcare and Early Years industries to prepare you for your career and university
  • Visit the Black Country Living Museum for a Victorian classroom experience – comparing today’s schools to the past
  • Explore the Science Gardens and interactive games at the Thinktank in Birmingham
  • End of year trips to places like Disneyland Paris and Italy
  • Team building exercises solving challenging puzzles with an escape room experience!
  • See a pantomime at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton, with activities linked to the show

Available Courses

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Early Years students
This Level 1 Caring for Children Award/Certificate/Diploma is a one-year full-time course designed for school leavers who are aiming to work in a childcare setting.
Course Duration
1 year
Start Date
1st September, 2025
Study Mode
Full Time
Early years student with display
This Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner course is for people who want to work with children or who already work in this area. The aim of this qualification is to prepare learners...
Course Duration
1 year
Start Date
1st September, 2025
Study Mode
Full Time
Female adult student waving to laptop
This one-year Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning qualification is aimed at learners in placements or working in support roles within primary, secondary or special schools, as well as colleges.
Course Duration
1 year
Start Date
2nd September, 2025
Study Mode
Full Time
Staff teaching students Early Years
This T Level Education and Early Years (Childcare) Level 3 qualification will equip you with the knowledge, skills and behaviours you need to enter skilled employment. The occupational specialisms are: Early Years Educator Assisting Teaching...
Course Duration
2 years
Start Date
1st September, 2025
Study Mode
Full Time

Apply Now for September 2025!

Begin your career journey at Sandwell College. We can help you take the next step after you leave school with over 100 courses to choose from! Our courses will give you the skills and experience you need to succeed in your chosen career.

We can offer first class guidance and support to help you on your journey.

Our Open Days are a great opportunity for you to find out more about our inspirational facilities and talk to our knowledgeable tutors about the courses you like best.

Choose any subject from our A-Z list of School Leaver Courses below and get your career off to an amazing start!

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Help and Support

We want to ensure the right level and type of support is in place for every one of our learners to be successful and treated as an individual. We believe that each student should be individually supported to grow and develop personally and professionally.

When you join us you’ll have access to a network of mentors and online 24/7 confidential counselling services for your emotional wellbeing, as well as a dedicated safeguarding team of staff, student-to-student safeguarding champions and your own personal tutor.

Please ask your question below and we will get back to you.

Sandwell College will use the information provided for the purpose of dealing with your enquiry.
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