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:

• Interview and assessment
• Clear & enhanced DBS check (provided by the College) This must be obtained at the start of your course

You will be required to study maths and English as part of your overall Study Programme so you can progress onto the next level.

This course consists of the following modules:

• Listening to and talking with a young child
• Providing a safe and hygienic environment for a young child
• Respecting and valuing children
• Children's play and leisure activities in the community
• Healthy lifestyle
• Routines for young children

You will be assessed via:

• Assignments
• Group work
• Participation in group activities
• Professional discussion

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.

Throughout this course you will be trained and assessed to achieve a CACHE qualification as well as receive a minimum of 36 hours work experience in a childcare or health and social care environment.

This course will lead to:

• Childcare Level 1

Amina progressed from Childcare Entry Level 3 to Caring for Children Level 1 when she was still new to the country and had very little spoken English. Following this, she obtained a CACHE NCFE Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner Level 2 and gained her licence to practice.

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.