Early Years and Childcare

Why study Early Years and Childcare?

  • Gain hands-on experience with top employers, including the NHS, private nurseries, and care homes.

    Our strong industry connections mean you’ll develop essential skills in professional working environments, through work placements and work experience, preparing you for a successful career.

  • Learn from experienced teachers, many with industry backgrounds, who bring knowledge and passion into the classroom.

    Benefit from recognised qualifications, and fast-track your personal development through workshops and guest speakers, who will inspire and guide you.

  • Whether you want to enter employment or progress to university, our courses give you the qualifications and practical skills to succeed in high-demand sectors such as nursing, midwifery, social work, and teaching.

  • Take part in enrichment activities, from First Aid certification to dementia awareness training. Our students also enjoy trips, workshops and networking sessions that take their learning to the next level and give them a competitive edge in the job market.

  • At New City College, you will become part of a thriving, caring community where dedicated pastoral tutors, career advisors, and additional learning support staff will help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

Prepare for success

Learn more about your course.

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Discover where your course can take you

Not sure what jobs your course could lead to?

Explore career options linked to the subject you’ve applied for. From real-world job roles to industry insights, you’ll see how your studies at New City College can help you build a successful future.

Meet Rosa

“I have had fantastic support from all my tutors at college. They have helped my confidence grow again, and now receiving this (Student of the Month) award has given me another boost to push myself further!”

Top tips

Understand child development

Learn the key milestones in a child’s growth—physically, emotionally, and cognitively. This knowledge is central to supporting children effectively and forms the foundation of your studies.

1

Build patience and communication skills

Working with young children takes a lot of patience, empathy, and clear communication. Practice using calm, positive language and develop your ability to listen and respond in a supportive way.

2

Get familiar with the EYFS framework!

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is essential in childcare settings. Reading up on its principles will give you a head start and help you understand how learning and development is structured for young children in the UK.

3

 FAQs

  • The Level 3 Childcare Diploma at NCC takes 36 weeks to complete and provides you with a ‘license to practice’ in the early years sector.

    The course is highly practical, helping you build the skills and confidence employers value. If you’re aiming for management roles in the future, you can progress to a Level 4 or 5 qualification.

  • You’ll cover a range of topics, such as human growth and development, communication skills, safeguarding, equality and diversity, and person-centred care.

    The course includes both theory and practical learning, helping you build the knowledge and skills you need for a career in the sector.

  • Graduates of the Early Years course often move into roles such as:

    • Nursery Nurse

    • Nursery Assistant

    • Assistant Childminder

    • Early Years Practitioner

    • Nanny or Early Years Worker


    The qualification also opens pathways to further study in education or early years leadership.

We’re officially Outstanding!

New City College has been rated Outstanding by Ofsted (March 2025) — the highest grade possible.

Inspectors praised our inclusive culture, exceptional teaching, strong student support, and inspirational leadership. We’re proud to be the largest college in the UK to achieve this top rating — and even prouder of what it means for our students.

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