School Leaver (Full-Time)
Early Years Education
If you love working with children and want to make a difference in their early development, training in early years education can help you build the skills needed for this rewarding career.
When you apply to study Early Years Education at The Sheffield College, you will be invited in to speak with our team to find out which of the qualifications listed below is the right fit for you. We will ask you about your previous experience and your career ambitions, as well as taking the qualifications you already have into consideration before offering you a place.
An introduction to working with young children, this course is designed to give you the knowledge; understanding and practical skills needed for supervised employment in early year settings.
Develop your knowledge of child development, play, health, and safety. This course is designed to give you the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed for supervised employment in early year settings.
A technical qualification combining classroom learning with real work experience in early years settings. Students will develop knowledge and skills in early childhood, preparing students to work with children in a range of settings, or to progress to higher level study.
About the course
Education and Early Years Level 1
4 GCSEs at A*- E/grade 2 or above, including English Language
Education and Early Years Level 2
4 GCSEs at A*- D/grade 3 or above, including English Language and maths
T Level Early Years Educator
5 GCSEs at A*- B/grade 5 or above, including English Language, maths and science
Education and Early Years Level 1
Written assignments/tasks
Education and Early Years Level 2
Direct observation within the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, and written assignments/tasks
T Level Early Years Educator
Written exams, an employer-set project
After finishing your course, you can:
Progress to higher education, such as university degrees in early childhood education or related subjects
Start a higher or degree Apprenticeship in childcare or education
Enter the workforce in early years settings
Interview process
For this course, the interview process for the includes an information session followed by a 1:1 chat with a tutor. During the information session, you will receive important details about the course structure and expectations, along with a chance to ask any questions. This is crucial to ensure you understand the course fully and how it aligns with your goals.
Will this course suit me?
An ideal person for this course is one who is interested in caring for children. It is an advantage to be a patient person who enjoys helping others and working as part of a team.
Staff and Facilities
At the Sheffield College you will learn from highly qualified staff with a range of academic and childcare work-related backgrounds. Students also benefit from our strong partnerships with local childcare employers. We have excellent facilities for childcare students, which include well equipped learning areas, a creative practice room, a fully operational kitchen and a simulated nursery room.
Course enrichment
You will have the opportunity to engage in various enrichment activities such as industry visits, guest speaker sessions and workshops.
A DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check is required for students going on work placements and will be carried out at the start of the course. Students will need to pay for this and the cost is approximately £52.00.Students in financial hardship can apply to the Student Support Fund for help with these costs.
Student case study
“My experience in Bali was amazing! We got to do so many different things relating to Childcare, like going into different schools to see how their curriculum relates to ours in England.”
Rahima Smikil - T Level Student of the Year 2025
35,445
Employed in 2026 across Sheffield
34,582
Graduate jobs predicted in Sheffield, during 2027
£29,820
Average salary
Click here to apply now
Key Information
Course Code
P00760
Subject Area
Childcare and Education
Campus
City Campus