Digi-guide - Childcare

Childcare and education

Early years, education and care students at the college can look forward to a range of opportunities including potential work placements in school and nursery settings, hands-on activities including trips out and messy play and hear from guest speakers who are already established in industry.

Courses available at the college range from Level 1 to Level 3. We also offer a number of university-level qualifications which include early years courses and teacher training at the college’s Vision University Centre.

Childcare students enjoy hands-on learning with practical activities on work placements.

Childcare students work together to create colourful and creative activities for little ones.

To inspire creative young minds, childcare and early years students are encouraged to develop games as part of the course.

Students work towards qualifications to help them achieve their career goals including childminder, nursery nurse, teacher and more.

Students learn from the best, working alongside experienced staff who are happy to share a wealth of experience and tips in looking after children and young people.

Career Spotlight Kim Cornell | Nursery Senior

Kim Cornell began her journey into childcare at West Notts before working her way through the ranks at a local nursery. Now nursery manager, Kim enjoys the day-to-day duties which enable her to see children blossom and grow. With training opportunities and the chance to progress, find out more about what it’s like to work in this rewarding industry.

Careers in childcare are vast and varied. You could find yourself working with new-borns through to children ready to start school. Your main priority will be the safety and wellbeing of each child, ensuring they are well looked after in your care, and helping them to develop at a level to suit them.

Working with children, you’ll be encouraged to get imaginative with play, but you’ll also need to incorporate the education curriculum to ensure children in your care are receiving an age-appropriate level of learning.

Your days will be varied and will involve a number of tasks; from ensuring the children are fed, happy and safe, to spending quality time with them to encourage developmental learning and play.

You’ll need to take part in daily observations to make sure no child is left behind, and to give parents an understanding of how their child is progressing away from the home environment.

As a childcare student at West Notts, you’ll work closely with experienced tutors, hear from guest speakers, and will undertake placements in industry – giving you the opportunity to learn things you simply can’t get from textbooks.

Courses in care can lead on to further education, training or employment.