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Childcare & Education

Overview

Our Childcare and Education courses provide learners with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to build a rewarding career supporting children’s development and wellbeing. Designed for those passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and families, the courses cover key areas including child development, play and learning, safeguarding, supporting additional needs, behaviour and working in partnership with families. Students benefit from supportive teaching, specialist learning environments and valuable placement opportunities with local schools and nurseries.

East Coast College offers specialist pathways to help students develop the skills and experience needed for a career in early years education. The T Level Early Years Educator and Early Years Practitioner courses combine classroom learning with practical experience, giving students the opportunity to build confidence, develop professional skills and gain a strong foundation for progression into employment, apprenticeships or further study within the childcare sector.

Find a course

Childcare & Education FAQs


East Coast College offers childcare and education courses designed for students aged 16–18, including the T Level Early Years Educator and Early Years Practitioner courses. Both pathways provide students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to begin a career working with children.


Students will learn about child development, supporting children’s learning through play, safeguarding, health and wellbeing, working with families and understanding how to create safe and inclusive environments for children.


Yes. Childcare courses include opportunities to gain hands-on experience through industry placements, allowing students to apply their learning in real childcare settings such as nurseries, schools and early years environments.


These courses can help prepare students for roles such as early years practitioner, nursery assistant or teaching assistant. They can also support progression to higher-level study, apprenticeships or further training within the childcare and education sector.


No previous childcare experience is required. The courses are designed to support students who are interested in working with children and want to develop the skills, knowledge and confidence needed for a career in early years education.

Explore our Facilities

The Hive Simulated Nursery

The Hive Simulated Nursery

Our childcare facilities provide a realistic learning environment where students can develop the practical skills and confidence needed to work with children. Our two simulated nurseries are designed to reflect professional early years settings, giving learners the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in areas such as child development, play-based learning, safeguarding, and care routines.

Student Stories

Your Future Starts Here

Explore the gallery below to see our Childcare and Education students learning in action and discover the practical training, hands-on experiences and industry-focused skills that can help shape your future career. From developing an understanding of child development and learning through play to building the confidence, communication skills and professional knowledge needed to support children’s wellbeing, see how our courses prepare you for opportunities across the childcare and education sector.

Trips & Guest Speakers

Our Childcare and Education students take part in practical sessions, industry placements and real-world experiences that develop their knowledge, confidence and professionalism when working with children. Through hands-on activities, observations and support from experienced childcare professionals, they learn about child development, safeguarding, learning through play and creating positive environments that support children’s wellbeing. From placement opportunities and practical workshops to career-focused experiences, every part of the course helps prepare students for a successful future in the childcare and education sector.

Employer Partnerships

Woodlands Primary School

"Woodlands has a strong and professional working relationship with East Coast College. The students we have on placement with us are very pleasant, helpful and eager to learn and we encourage them at our setting. The students are well supported by the college and the team are always on hand to provide advice. We feel this is a mutually beneficial arrangement as we always welcome an extra pair of hands. The students gain valuable experience and learning opportunities to support their college course."


Woodlands Primary School

Woodlands Primary School