Early years and childcare qualifications
Training and qualification options
If you are starting a career in early years and childcare, an introductory course can help you develop a basic understanding of the sector and the responsibilities involved in working with young children.
Explore local early years and childcare courses, from introductory and entry-level training to higher-level qualifications and apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship combines paid employment with training and study, enabling you to gain valuable skills, experience, and qualifications while you work.
Benefits of an apprenticeship include:
- Learning on the job
- Earning a salary while studying
- Gaining a recognised qualification
- Building skills and experience that can lead to senior roles and career progression
Find out more about apprenticeships and early years apprenticeships
Apprenticeships with Coventry City Council
Coventry City Council offers a range of apprenticeship opportunities in Education and Childcare to help you gain practical experience, develop your skills and work towards a recognised qualification.
Visit the Coventry City Council website to explore current opportunities and find out how to apply.
Skills bootcamps
Skills bootcamps are flexible training courses designed to help adults develop new skills, improve their employment prospects and progress in their careers.
To access most Skills Bootcamps, you must:
- Be aged 19 or over
- Have a good level of English
- Be willing to learn
Most courses do not require previous knowledge or experience, although some may have specific entry requirements. Any additional requirements will be included in the individual course information.
Find out more about Skills Bootcamps and available courses.
T levels
T Levels are technical qualifications for young people aged 16 to 19. They offer an alternative to A Levels, apprenticeships and other post-16 study options. Equivalent to three A Levels, T Levels combine classroom learning with practical experience to help students develop the knowledge and skills needed to progress into:
- Skilled employment
- Higher education
- Higher-level apprenticeships
Online training and qualifications
Online courses can support your professional development and help you gain early years and childcare qualifications. Before enrolling, check that the course meets your career goals. To work as a qualified practitioner with children aged 0 to 5, your qualification must meet the Department for Education’s full and relevant requirements. Qualifications that do not meet these requirements cannot be counted in statutory staff-to-child ratios.
Use the DfE’s Check an Early Years Qualification service before starting a course.
Before you enrol on a course
- Check that the qualification is recognised as full and relevant by the Department for Education (DfE)
- Make sure it supports your chosen career pathway
- Confirm whether practical placement hours are required
- Research the training provider’s reputation and accreditation
- Discuss the qualification with your current or prospective employer, where appropriate
- Consider how the course will fit around your work and personal commitments
- Check whether funding is available
Choosing the right course or qualification will help ensure your learning supports your career progression in early years and childcare.
Qualifications gained outside the UK
If you gained an early years qualification outside the UK and want to work in an early years setting in England, you may need to have your qualification assessed.
You may also need to provide supporting evidence or meet additional requirements before your qualification can be recognised for inclusion in staff-to-child ratios.
Find out how to apply for recognition of an overseas qualification
You can also apply to UK ENIC for a Statement of Comparability, which compares international qualifications with the UK education system.