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Childcare & Early Years Courses at Worthing College

At Worthing College, we offer a range of qualifications and apprenticeships in Childcare and Early Years, with courses starting from September 2026.

Our Childcare and Early Years courses provide hands-on experience working with babies, toddlers and young children. You will learn about child development, safe environments, safeguarding, communication and professional practice – the foundations of a career working with children.

All courses include placements with local nurseries, early years settings, primary schools and children’s centres across Worthing and West Sussex. These placements give you real-world experience and often lead to employment opportunities with the settings you train in.

Careers in childcare and early years include nursery nurse, early years educator, childminder, teaching assistant, nanny, special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) and children’s social worker. Apply now to start your career working with children.

Study Childcare & Early Years at Worthing College

If you are keen to pursue a career in childcare and love working with children, our Level 2, Level 3 and Apprenticeship routes in Childcare & Early Years are designed for you.

SUPPORTING YOUR STUDIES

If you’re looking for a college course taught with more personalised teaching, Worthing College may be the place for you.

Varied Teaching

In addition to teacher-led discussions, students engage in practical activities specific to the childcare sector – including observations of child development, designing EYFS learning activities, group presentations and research into child development theory.

Outside Learning

Students benefit from visits to local childcare settings and schools, and visiting speakers from the sector – including nursery managers, early years practitioners and safeguarding professionals – who share their experience working in the field.

Modern Campus

Worthing College is well-equipped with modern facilities, including new classrooms and studios.

Our Academies

If you’re considering your options for September, we know how important it is to take a look around – that’s why we’re excited to welcome you to our modern campus.

Students approaching Worthing College Campus

OUR FACILITIES

At Worthing College’s modern campus, you will have access to the resources and equipment needed to support your studies and prepare for your placement.

Childcare & Early Years Courses at Worthing College

Not sure which route is right for you? Visit us at an open day or speak to our admissions team.

Level 2 Certificate in Childcare

Entry-level qualification for those new to childcare. Includes placements in local settings.

Early Years Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Earn while you learn. Work in a local childcare setting and gain a nationally recognised qualification at the same time.

T Level in Education & Early Years

The new technical qualification combining classroom learning with a 45-day industry placement.

Early Years Apprenticeship at Worthing College

If you want to earn while you learn, the Early Years Apprenticeship is an excellent route into a career in childcare. You will work in a real childcare setting – such as a nursery, pre-school or children’s centre – for most of your working week, while studying towards a nationally recognised Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.

Worthing College works with local nurseries and early years settings across Worthing and West Sussex to support apprentices through their programme. You will receive the national living wage for your time at work and all training is funded.

Entry requirements: typically 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 including English and Maths, or equivalent. Visit our Early Years Apprenticeship course page for full details.

Careers in Childcare & Early Years

A qualification in Childcare & Early Years opens doors to a range of rewarding careers working with children and families. Career paths include:

  • Nursery Nurse / Early Years Educator – working in day nurseries, pre-schools and children’s centres with children aged 0–5
  • Teaching Assistant – supporting teachers in primary school classrooms
  • Childminder – working independently to care for children in a home setting
  • Nanny – working directly with families
  • SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) – with further study
  • Children’s Social Worker – with degree-level progression
  • Playwork and Youth Work – working with older children in holiday and play settings

Many Worthing College students progress from their qualification to university degrees in Early Childhood Studies, Education, Social Work and Nursing.

WORTHING COLLEGE

Worthing College is located on Sanditon Way, Worthing, BN14 0HA. Our childcare students are placed in nurseries, early years settings, primary schools and children’s centres across Worthing, Lancing, Findon, Goring, Ferring, Littlehampton and the wider West Sussex area. We welcome students from across the region. Visit one of our open days to find out more about our Childcare & Early Years courses and meet the team.

Address

Worthing College
1 Sanditon Way
Worthing
BN14 9FD

Contact

Reception:
01903 275755
Email:
info@worthing.ac.uk

Childcare & Early Years at Worthing College – FAQs

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