College 16 to 18

Early Years

If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make a real difference to children's lives, an Early Years course at Newcastle College could be the perfect place to start.

We offer courses from Level 1 to Level 3, helping you take the next step towards your career goals. Whether you're looking to progress into further study through a Foundation Certificate, prepare for employment with an Occupation Certificate, or develop the skills needed to become an Early Years Educator, there's a course for you.

Through practical learning, industry experience and support from experienced tutors, you'll develop the knowledge needed to support children's learning, development and wellbeing.

Whatever your next step, an Early Years course can help you build a rewarding future working with children and young people.

Next Event

University Centre Open Event - November (Saturday)

Rye Hill Campus Saturday 28th November 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm Find out more

Caring for Children - Level 1

Learn how to keep children safe and happy and how to develop their education in this crucial stage of life.

Length: 1 year
Study: Full-Time
Start date: 6th September 2027
Location: Rye Hill Campus

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Education - Level 2

Foundation Certificate - If you're interested in helping children and young people learn, develop and achieve their potential, this Foundation Certificate is a great place to start. Designed for students who want to progress into further education, this course introduces you to teaching, learning and learner support across a range of educational settings.

Length: 1 year
Study: Full-Time
Start date: 6th September 2027
Location: Rye Hill Campus

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Early Years Practitioner - Level 2

Occupational Certificate - Ready to make a difference in young children's lives? This career-focused Occupational Certificate prepares you for employment in nurseries, pre-schools and school reception classes.

Length: 2 years
Study: Full-Time
Start date: 6th September 2027
Location: Rye Hill Campus

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T-Level - Early Years Educator (Education and Early Years) - Level 3

Are you looking to start a career in the early years industry and want to expand your knowledge and skills? Would you like to work with children and young people? Then this Early Years Educator T-Level could be the course for you.

Length: 2 years
Study: Full-Time
Start date: 6th September 2027
Location: Rye Hill Campus

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Call us now: 0191 200 4000

Email us: enquiries@ncl-coll.ac.uk

Come and visit us Apply now

Bailey Richardson

T-Level - Early Years Educator (Education and Early Years) - Level 3

"The course is benefiting me because I get to go on a placement as part of my T-Level. This is giving me hands-on experience in the sector that I want to go into, instead of learning only the theory. You're putting the theory into practise when you're at placement so it's very helpful as it gets you ready for your future. "

Keira Mills

Level 3 Childcare and Education

"At first, I wasn’t sure about going into a working nursery but the children, the teachers and the nursery support staff are all so lovely. From juggling nursery work and college work, it has also improved my time management skills too."

Caitlin T Level Education And Childcare (Early Years Educator)

Caitlin Stacey-Ray

T-Level - Early Years Educator (Education and Early Years) - Level 3

“I’ve always been interested in education and working with pre-school children, and the T-Level was the best option for me to pursue this. Our class was like a tight-knit family, we’re all very close and we really supported each other throughout the course. Our tutors were so supportive too and I could always contact them when I needed something. Doing the placement alongside my studies really helped me with my college work. It was so hands-on and much more useful than any other type of work experience I’d done before. What’s great is that now I can go straight into industry. I’ve secured a job with the nursery where I did my placement and I already feel really prepared and like I’m part of the team. Even better is that it’s the nursery I went to as a child, and I’m even working alongside the person who taught me when I was three!”

Katie T Level Education And Childcare (Early Years Educator)

Katie Slater

T-Level - Early Years Educator (Education and Early Years)

“I’ve always wanted to work with children and when I came to Newcastle College to explore my options I was recommended the T-Level. It was a big step moving from school into a T-Level and a little scary to do a work placement, but the staff here prepared me so well for it. Studying at Newcastle College has 100% been the best two years of my life. I feel safe here, I always feel supported and I know who I can go to if I need help. I’d definitely recommend it!"