For the past five years, the Early Years Industry has benefited from falling unemployment and rising disposable incomes, which has supported rising demand.

The industry is forecast to grow over the next five years in line with rising employment, which is set to stimulate demand for industry services.

 Additionally, as more households become eligible for free childcare and tax-free childcare schemes, government expenditure on childcare is projected to rise in the coming years.

The entry requirements for this course are:

• Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject
• 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 (C) or above including maths and English
• A good level of written and spoken English is required
• Successful enhanced DBS check – this must be obtained a the start of your course
• Interview and assessment

If required, you will have the opportunity to study GCSE maths and/or English alongside your course so you can progress onto the next level.

This course consists of the following modules:

• Early years curriculum
• Health and safety
• Behaviour
• Play
• Personal and professional development
• Literacy and Numeracy in an early years setting
• Child development

You will be assessed via:

• Assignments
• Work placement assessment
• Observations of your performance
• Professional discussions
• Longitudinal study

To further enhance your progression, you will actively participate in skills competitions, such as the Big Idea Challenge and Skills London. You will be involved in taking part in trips and visits, such as The Nursery World Conference and Award-Winning Early Years settings.

You will be invited to take part in funder-raiser events such as The Toy Library Children in Need. You will also have access to key employers that will deliver guest lectures to build your industry knowledge and create your future.

Our Student Common Room is a great place to unwind and relax during your breaks. It features pool tables, table tennis, a gaming corner and lots of comfy sofas so you can refresh before your next lesson. 

Themed events are held in the Common Room so you can get the best experience of being a Waltham Forest College student.

You must complete 350 hours of work experience in an approved early year setting as part of this course. This can be done over 2 days per week.

You will be assigned a work placement assessor who will support you and monitor your progress in your work placement.

Successful completion of this course will lead to:

• Employment opportunities within early years settings under supervision which include: Assistant in Children's Centres, Practitioner in nursery schools, Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools, Pre-school worker

Moesha progressed from Level 2 to the Early Years Workforce Level 3. Her placement setting was so impressed with her they offered her full-time employment. 

Mane started the Level 2 course in September 2021. She had limited English and was lacking confidence. She gradually gained confidence over the time she spent in college and in her placement setting. She then progressed onto the Early Years Workforce Level 3 and has been offered a permanent job at her placement setting where she is now employed full time.

Last year, 52% of Childcare students progressed onto a positive external destination (employment or higher education), and 48% progressed onto further study at Waltham Forest College.