If you’ve always seen yourself working with children, then choosing to study a child development course may be the right career pathway for you. With plenty of learning options to choose from that are flexible, online and self-paced, you can learn everything you need to know by selecting to study a childcare training course. Browse our introductory child care courses today.
Study the history and key thinkers that have contributed to counselling Gain an understanding of children and their cognitive and psychological development Develop a detailed knowledge of different counselling approaches, such as cognitive and person-c...
This NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges is ideal for anyone looking to begin their career in educational support. Achieve an accredited, nationally recognised NCFE CACHE teaching assistant qualification. Free access to the...
Achieve a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE qualification. This NCFE CACHE Level 1 Diploma in Caring for Children is ideal for those just starting out in their career in childcare. Understand skills required to care for young children, from birth up to...
Gain a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE Level 1 Certificate in Caring for Children qualification to kick-start your career. Free access to the NCFE CACHE Alumni membership for two years when you enrol. Study from home at your own pace. Boost your caree...
Understand the procedures and safety measures in babysitting. Develop your knowledge in supporting a child’s development. Gain a nationally recognised award to kick-start your learning. Free access to the CACHE Alumni for 2 years when you enrol on your...
Study relevant topics that will enable you to better support the children and young people in your setting. Learn the essentials around how you can understand and promote the development of children with special educational needs, including chronic ill...
Mental health problems commonly associated with children and young people Children and young people’s mental health in context The impact of mental ill-health on children and young people Support available to maintain mental wellbeing in children and y...
This NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner course is perfect for those looking to work in a role within a nursery or early years setting. The course has been designed to provide you with a sound understanding of how to provide ade...
Achieve a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE qualification. Understand skills required to care for young children, from birth up to the age of five years. Gain an appreciation of the wider context in which childcare practitioners work. This NCFE CACHE Le...
Study from home and start working towards beginning your career in working with children. Achieve up to 28 UCAS points for entry into university. Free access to the NCFE CACHE Alumni membership for two years when you enrol on your course. Achieve a nat...
In just 2 hours learn the ‘keys to inclusion’ for all children in mainstream schools. We introduce leading values with practical application for the inclusion of all pupils – not just disabled children and those with complex needs....
In this 2-hour session, we lift the lid on behaviour and look at the emotional work beneath. We explore how developing emotional worlds can be impacted upon by race, LGBTQ+, gender and poverty. We provide the Circle of Courage robust model for understa...
We can coach you in your use of Solution Circles, Insights and Solution Circles and Circle of Adults. These are in-depth processes that support professional teams in solving problems together around a young person presenting with complex social, emotio...
Learn how anxiety impacts on children and the way they behave and learn. In this practical workshop session, we will explore ways of understanding and including anxious children in mainstream schools and settings. The session will be values-based and p...
In this 4 hours of teaching and interaction, we lift the lid on boys’ identity and behaviour and look at the emotional world beneath. We explore how developing emotional worlds can be impacted upon by race, LGBTQ+, gender and poverty. We provide...
Learn all about Attachment theory in a non medical way and how it applies to patterns of relationship over a lifetime....
Learn how Trauma impacts on children and what they need to move on with relationships and inclusive education....
The aim of this qualification is to prepare you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to become an early years educator, enabling you to work with children from birth to 5 years and gain knowledge of children aged 5-7 years. The course covers th...
Childcare jobs are just as the name implies – jobs caring for children. They generally focus on supervision and care for children between the ages of 0-12 but can be extended to older children as well. Childcare in the UK is often delivered in the form of daycare. Although these are the most common channels for childcare in the UK, there are other childcare choices for parents such as babysitting or in-house care. The most important aspect of any childcare position is ensuring that the children are well supervised and safe.
Common types of childcare courses in the UK include:
With many childcare courses available throughout the UK, you have plenty of options to find the right one for you. Options such as a Certificate in Childcare, or a Certificate in Education are a great choice if you are looking to take your first step into the industry.
One popular option is the Certificate in Child Development, which teaches students insights into child behaviour, and helps develop skills necessary to start or supplement a career in childcare. A diploma in childcare is a more specialised course if you want to gain a deeper understanding of the techniques and theories behind childhood development.
Childcare workers are employed in a broad range of services within the childcare industry. Entry-level childcare positions usually work under the supervision of a qualified childcare professional such as a schoolteacher. They may be required to do multiple tasks within a day. However, some childcare workers specialise in a variety of fields in order to move into more senior positions. Some basic tasks that childcare workers may be required to do include: preparation of food, safety monitoring and accident prevention procedures, parental communication if a problem occurs with a child, educating and supporting children in learning activities, monitoring and implementing hygiene procedures and more.
Typically working hours include school hours, however, there may be some additional hours required for a worker in after-school care or over school holiday periods. However, childcare careers are often flexible with their hours and work well for those who have other commitments such as family or higher education needs.
Click here for our guide to becoming a childcare worker.
As the primary duties involve the care of children, integrity and responsibility are key to having a successful childcare career. A genuine desire to help each and every child to develop is necessary. A moderate level of physical fitness can also be desirable in order to keep up with the seemingly endless energy of children.
Another key trait is patience, as it can get frustrating when dealing with all of this energy. The ability to multitask is also paramount in childcare jobs as children often need constant attention, but there are many tasks required aside from this. The final skill is the ability to simply have fun, as children often learn through fun activities.
