Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 1 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:15. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | Entry is by interview. Applicants will need a grade 2 or 3 in BOTH Maths and English. Please note that the Government states employees will need to have maths and English at either Functional Skills level 2, or GCSE grade 4 to be employed in this sector.? |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes |
Is it for me?
If you are interested in developing the skills and knowledge needed to care for young children, this qualification will stimulate and encourage you to progress further in your chosen career pathway.
The course is aimed at a range of learners, including young people needing to develop life skills, as well as those who are thinking of working in childcare.
Alongside this course, you will also be studying to achieve your English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, as this a necessary requirement of working in an Early Years setting.
Over the duration of the course, you will be fully supported in preparing for your next steps - either in training or moving towards the world of work. There will also be an opportunity for you to undertake work experience to develop the skills that you'll learn on the course.
What you'll learn
You will learn the fundamentals needed for progression onto one of our Level 2 programmes, and a career in the Early Years sector.
Work experience placements
Gaining an insight into the industry is crucial for personal development, and career focus.
Assessment
You will be assessed in a variety of ways which are linked to industry practices.
Further study
Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Diploma
Children and Young People's Workforce Level 2 Diploma
T Level in Education and Childcare Level 3
T Level in Education and Assistant Teaching Level 3
Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) Level 3 Diploma
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Example careers
Early Years Teacher
Education Consultant
Family Support Worker
Education Mental Health Practitioner
Health Play Specialist
Learning Mentor
Play Therapist
Primary School Teacher
Social Worker
Special Educational Needs Teacher
Teaching Assistant
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
Youth Worker
Children's Nurse
Speech Therapist
Community Worker
Days & times
Starting September 2025