Please find enclosed a guide to childcare qualification courses on offer throughout the County and
surroundings areas.
Information has been gained from information on the Internet, prospectuses and
training provider literature.
There is a variety of start dates and times are available for courses, along with different methods of study
such as full / part time and distance learning.
Please note: the information provided was correct at time of publication and is by no means exhaustive, and
should be used as a guidance tool. It is recommended that you contact the training providers directly for up
to date course details.
The Leicestershire County Council’s Early Learning and Childcare Service is here to support your career
choice and is working with the National College for Teaching and Leadership (NCTL) in their aim to raise the
profile and status of careers in childcare working towards ensuring that the Early Years sector is a graduate
led profession.
Funding
For details regarding which courses are funded, please refer to the current Professional Development
Funding Criteria which can be found here www.leics.gov.uk/trainqual
Pages 2 onwards shows different titles of qualifications and the level that they equate to, please speak to the
training provider on application to a course as levels may vary. A list of training course providers can be
found in the subsequent pages. We hope that you find the information within this document informative and
helpful.
If you choose a training provider not listed in this guide, please contact the Workforce Improvement Team
(0116 305 5827) to check that the course offered is full and relevant in terms of delivering the EYFS. Sadly
there are many training companies who claim to offer Level 3 qualifications which are in fact NOT full and
relevant in terms of delivering the EYFS and they WILL NOT count as a Level 3 in terms of ratios.
The Early Years Qualification Checker can be found here
http://www.education.gov.uk/eypqd/search/search.cfm
Yours faithfully,
The Workforce Development Team
Qualification
Level
Course Name
Qualification
Level
N/A
 L3 Award in Preparing to Work
in Home-Based Childcare
(HBCA)
Level 3
Level 2
(not funded by
LCC)
 Level 2 Certificate in an
Introduction to Early Years
Education and Care (QCF)
 BTEC National Certificate in
Children’s Play, Learning and
Development (EYE)
(not funded by
LCC)
Apprenticeships
are funded by Adult
Skills Budget (ASB)
Stand-alone (nonapprenticeships
learners will need
to apply for the 24+
Learner Loan
Course Name
 Diploma in Early Years
Education and Care
 BTEC National Diploma in
Children's Play, Learning
and Development (EYE)
 Level 3 Diploma for the
Early Years Workforce
(EYE) (QCF)
 City & Guilds Level 3
Diploma for the Early Years
Educator
 International Diploma in
Montessori Pedagogy – Birth to
Seven (Early Years Educator)
 Level 3 Extended Diploma for
the Early Years Educator
 Level 3 Diploma in Children’s
Learning and Development
(Early Years Educator) (QCF)
 Level 3 Diploma in Early
Years Education and
Childcare (Early Years
Educator) (QCF)
 Diploma in Montessori
Pedagogy – Birth to Seven
(Early Years Educator)
 Level 3 Diploma for the Early
Years Practitioner (Early Years
Educator) (Work-based)
 Level 3 Technical Diploma for
the Early Years Practitioner
(Early Years Educator)
 Early Childhood Studies
(Steiner Early Years Educator)
Some of the above qualifications
are also available via the
Apprenticeship route.
To count in the ratios at level 3,
staff holding an early years
educator qualification must also
have achieved GCSEs in English
and maths at grade C or above.
2
Level 4
Although these
courses are
delivered at Level
4, they count in the
ratio as Level 3
 Level 4 HNC Advanced
Practice for Work with Children
and Families
 Open University Certificate in
Early Years Practice
Level 5
 Foundation Degree in Early
Years
Although these
qualifications are
delivered at Level
5, they count in the
ratio as Level 3
 Children’s and Young People’s
Services Foundation Degree
 Early Years Sector Endorsed
Foundation Degree (FdA)
 Foundation Degree in Families
Parents and Communities

Leadership and
management
courses are
delivered at the
appropriate level,
however they do
not count as full
and valid Early
Years
Qualifications for
delivering the
EYFS.
Level 6
Although these
qualifications are
delivered at Level
5, they count in the
ratio as Level 3
 BA in Education Studies
Early Years Educator
Specialised Award
 BA (Hons) Childhood Studies
EYP/EYITT/QTS
Level 5 HND Advanced
Practice for Work with Children
and Families
 Diploma in Leadership for the
Children’s & Young People's
Workforce - Early Years
(Management)
 Diploma in Early Years
Leadership and Management
 Leadership and Management
 Early Years Teacher Status (4
Pathways)
These
qualifications count
in the ratio as Level
6
 BA (Hons) Early Childhood
Studies
 BA (Hons) Education Studies
 BA (Hons) Primary
Education
Please be aware that the above table of qualification levels is a guide and advice should be sought from
Colleges and Training providers about the levels of qualification offered.
3
Distance Learning/Home Study Training Providers
Name
Address
Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY)
Royal Court
81 Tweedy Road
Bromley
Kent
BR1 1TG
Courses

Name
Leap UK
Address
22, St Johns
Enderby
Leics LE19 2BP
Telephone
0845 880 0044
Website
www.pacey.org.uk
E Mail
sales.admin@pacey.org.uk
L3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare (HBCA)
Telephone
01263 578141 or 0747 4819972
E Mail
l.nott@leapuk.org
Courses

L3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare (HBCA)

Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care (QCF)

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE) (QCF)

Level 3 Leadership and Management ‘First Line Management’ (Institute of Leadership
& Management ILM)

Level 5 HND Advanced Practice for Work with Children and Families

Diploma in Leadership for the Children & Young People's Workforce - Early Years
(Management)

Level 4 Diploma in Early Years Leadership and Management (ILM)

Level 5 Diploma & Extended Diploma in Early Years Leadership and Management
(ILM)

Name
Address
Courses
Level 6 Diploma in Early Years Leadership and Management (ILM)
Smart Training
1 Becketts Wharf
Lower Teddington Road
Hampton Wick
Surrey
KT1 4ER
Information
Training Centre is based in Leicester
Telephone
0845 177 0695
E Mail
start@smart-training.com

Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Educators)

Level 3 Certificate in Management (for Early Years leaders/managers)

Level 5 Diploma in Management (for Early Years leaders/managers)
4
Name
Train Together Ltd
Address
5 Barshaw Park
Leycroft Road
Leicester
LE4 1ET
Telephone
0116 235 8000
Website
www.traintogetherltd.co.uk
E Mail
info@traintogetherltd.co.uk
Courses
Name
Address

Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care (QCF)

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE) (QCF)
National Extension College (NEC)
The Michael Young Centre
Purbeck Road
Cambridge
CB2 2HN
Telephone
Free Phone
01223 400 200
0800 389 2839
Website
www.nec.ac.uk
E Mail
info@nec.ac.uk
Courses

L3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare (HBCA)

Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care (QCF)

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE) (QCF)

Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork

Level 3 Award in Induction to Playwork

Level 3 Certificate in Playwork

Level 3 Diploma in Playwork

GCSE Maths Foundation or Higher, IGCSE English Language or Literature and IGCSE
Combined Science
Name
London Metropolitan University
Address
166-220 Holloway Road
London
N7 8DB
Telephone
020 7133 2105
Website
www.londonmet.ac.uk/ecs
E Mail
admissions@londonmet.ac.uk
Courses

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Online Learning)
5
Name
Open University
Address
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
Courses
Telephone
01908 274066
Website
www.open.ac.uk

Certificate in Early Years Practice (code C37) (level 4)

Foundation Degree in Early Years (code X01) (level 5)

Early Years Developing Practice (E100) 60 credits

Professional practice in the early years (E105) 60 credits

Extending professional practice in the early years (E210) 60 credits

Certificate of Higher Education in Early Years Professional Practice (T19) 120 credits

Certificate of Higher Education in Children and Families (T24) 120 credits

Certificate in Working Together for Children (S23) 60 credits

BA (Honours) Childhood and Youth Studies (Q23) 360

Top-up BA (Honours) Childhood and Youth Studies (Q81) 120 credits

BA (Honours) Early Years (Q51) 360 credits

Top-up BA (Honours) Early Years (Q60) 120 credits

BA in Early Years (B51)
6
Local Colleges, Universities and Training Providers
Name
Adult Learning Service
Address
Longslade
Community College
Wanlip Lane
Birstall
Leicester
LE4 4GH
Telephone
Advice & Guidance 0116 267 0040
0800 988 0308
Website
www.leics-als.ac.uk/
Courses

L3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare (HBCA)

Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care (QCF)

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE) (QCF)
The above address is, not necessarily the address where training will take place, please call
for more information.
Name
Leicester Adult Skills & Learning Service
Address
Various sites across Leicester City
Telephone
Website
E Mail
Courses
www.leicesterlearns.ac.uk
lasals@leicester.gov.uk

L1 Award in Caring for Children

Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care (QCF)

Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (EYE) (QCF)
Name
South Leicestershire College
Address
Blaby Road
South Wigston
Leicester
LE18 4PH
Courses
0116 454 1900
Telephone
0116 288 3535
Website
www.slcollege.ac.uk

CACHE Diploma in Caring for Children – Level 1 (0081-14)

Level 2 EDI Certificate in CYPW (QCF) (0094-14)

CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator (EYE) (QCF) (1159-14)

Diploma in Leadership for Children and Young People’s Services Level 5 (course code
0174-14)
7
Name
Address
Leicester College
Abbey Park Campus
Painter Street
Leicester
LE1 3WA
Telephone
0116 224 2240
Website
www.leicestercollege.ac.uk
E Mail
info@lec.ac.uk
Courses
Name
Address

C3068 - Childcare and Early Years (BTEC) Certificate Level 3

C3067 Childcare and Early Years Certificate Level 2 (CACHE)
Pre-School Learning Alliance (PLA)
70 Knighton Lane
Leicester
LE2 8BE
Telephone
020 7697 2500
E Mail
info@pre-school.org.uk
Website
Courses
www.pre-school.org.uk

Cache Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare – (Online)

CACHE Entry Level Award and Certificate in Caring for a Child / Children (Entry 3)
(QCF)

NCFE Entry Level 3 Award in Exploring Employability Skills

CACHE Entry Level 3 Award in Personal and Social Development

CACHE Level 1 Award in Caring for Children (QCF)

CACHE Level 2 Certificate in an Introduction to Early Years Education and Care (QCF)

CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (EYE) (QCF)

ILM — Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading

ILM — Level 4 Diploma in Leadership and Management
Name
Nottingham Trent University
Address
PO Box 6
Nottingham
NG1 4BU
Courses
Telephone
0115 941 8418
Website
www.ntu.ac.uk

BA (Hons) Childhood Studies

BA (Hons) Education Studies

(BA Hons) Education Studies and Early Years

(BA Hons) Early Years and Special and Inclusive Education
8
Name
Stephenson College
Address
Thornborough Road
Coalville
Leicester
LE67 3TN
Courses
Website
www.stephensoncoll.ac.uk
CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children’s and Young Peoples Workforce

CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young Peoples Workforce - Early
Years Educator (EYE)

Foundation Degree in Children’s and Young People’s Services (Early Years
Pathway in partnership with Derby University)

BA (Hons) Degree Child and Youth Studies (Stage 3 Top-up Only)

First Aid – Emergency / Paediatric

Childminding Courses
University of Warwick
Address
University of Warwick
Coventry
CV4 7AL
Telephone
024 7652 3648
Website
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/
E Mail
ugadmissions@warwick.ac.uk

Sector Endorsed Early Years Foundation Degree – Level 5

BA Early Childhood Studies – Level 6

Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYITT)
Name
University of Derby
Address
Kedlestone Road
Derby
DE22 1GB
Courses
01530 836 136

Name
Courses
Telephone
Telephone
01332 591492
01332 590500
Website
www.derby.ac.uk

Foundation Degree Children’s and Young People’s Services (Level 5)

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

BA (Hons) Child and Youth Studies

Early Years Teacher Pathways (EYITT)
9
Name
Education Management Direct (EM Direct)
Address
Litton House
Grantham
Lincolnshire
NG31 9SN
Courses

Website
E Mail
01476 512793
www.educateteachertraining.co.uk
itt@educate.co.uk
School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
Name
Loughborough College
Address
Radmoor Road
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3BT
Courses
Telephone
Telephone
0845 166 2950
Website
www.loucoll.ac.uk

Level 2 Certificate for the Children & Young People’s Workforce – available till mid 2015 (Part
Time)

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator – Part Time)

Level 2 Children and Young People’s Apprenticeship – available to mid 2015

Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

Level 2 Certificate in Understanding the Safe Handling of Medicines

Level 2 Certificate in Equality and Diversity

Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health Awareness

Level 2 Certificate in the Care and Management of Diabetes

Level 2 Certificate in Customer Service

Level 2 Certificate in Team Leading

Level 2 Certificate in Principle of Working with Individual’s with Learning Disabilities

Level 2 Certificate in Nutrition and Health

Level 3 Award in Supporting Children and Young People’s Speech Language and
Communication

Foundation Degree in Children’s and Young People’s Services (Early Years Pathway in
partnership with Derby University)

BA (Hons) Education Studies 2 year top up degree

Cache Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork (from Early Years) This level 3 transition
qualification is available to early years practitioners who: currently work in or wish to work in
playwork;
 hold a full level 3 childcare qualification that covers the national occupation standards in
children's care, learning and development
 are at least 18 years of age
 There is no exam - students would need to do x2 assessed assignments.

This qualification will be fully funded by the Early Learning & Childcare Service
10
Name
Brooksby Melton College
Address
Melton Campus
Asfordby Road
Melton Mowbray
Leicestershire
LE13 0HJ
Courses
Name
Address
Main Switchboard 01664 850 850
Course Information 01664 855 387
Advice & Guidance 01664 855 288
Telephone
Website
www.brooksbymelton.ac.uk
E Mail
courseenquiries@brooksbymelton.ac.uk

L3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare (HBCA)

Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

Level 3 Children Learning and Development (EYE) Diploma or Apprenticeship

HNC Early Education and Childcare

Higher National Diploma in Childhood Practice
New College Nottingham
ncn Clarendon
Pelham Avenue
Nottingham
NG5 1AL
Telephone
0115 9100 100
Website
www.ncn.ac.uk
E Mail
enquiries@ncn.ac.uk
Courses

Level 1 Introduction to Health, Social Care & Children and Young People

Level 1 in Caring for Children

Level 2 Early Years with licence to practice

Level 3 Diploma in Early Years

Early Years Studies Foundation Degree
11
Name
Address
Courses
Name
Address
Courses
Name
Address
Courses
Central College Nottingham
Greythorn Drive
West Bridgford
Nottingham
NG2 7GA
Telephone
0115 914 6414
Website
www.centralnottingham.ac.uk
E Mail
Enquiries@snc.ac.uk

Children's Care, Learning and Development (Apprenticeship Level 2)

Caring for Young Children (CACHE Foundation Award Level 1)

Level 2 Certificate Children & Young People’s Workforce (CYPW)

Level 3 Diploma Children & Young People’s Workforce (CYPW)

BTEC Extended Diploma in Children’s Care Learning & Development Level 3

CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Childcare and Education

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education

Foundation Degree in Children and Young People’s Services Level 5
De Montfort University Leicester
The Gateway
Leicester
LE1 9BH
Telephone
0116 255 1551 / 0116 250 6070
Website
www.dmu.ac.uk
E Mail
hls@dmu.ac.uk

Children, Families and Community Health foundation degree

Education Studies BA ( Hons )
University of Northampton
Park campus
Broughton Green Road
Northampton
NN2 7AL
Telephone
01604 735500 or 0800 358 2232
Website
www.northampton.ac.uk
E Mail
study@northampton.ac.uk

Early Years Foundation Degree (fda)

BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

Early Childhood Studies (top up) (BA Hons)

Early Years Teacher Status (0-5) (EYITT)
Useful Websites relating to working in Childcare/Early Years
www.leics.gov.uk/trainqual Workforce Improvement
www.leics.gov.uk/earlylearning - our home page
www.leics.gov.uk/eyjobs- job vacancies
www.leics.gov.uk/eytraining- Training Opportunities booklet
www.leics.gov.uk/eyfunding- professional development training and funding
www.leics.gov.uk/glf - Graduate Leader Support page
www.leics.gov.uk/eyp - Early Years Teacher Status page
12