Working with children can be the most rewarding job in the world. Each day you’re helping to develop their young minds and are making an important and lasting difference to their future
Childcare Courses
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development Traineeship
This qualification is designed to help learners build the knowledge and skills needed when working with children. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas working in a children’s setting. This qualification confirms competence in these areas and serves as the required qualification for all new practitioners for registration and regulatory requirements in Northern Ireland....
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Childrens Care Learning and Development (Management) (NI)
This Diploma is aimed at those working with children and young People from 0-19 years, concentrating on Early Years Practice. The qualification meets the minimum standards for managing Child Care settings as set out in DHSSPS Child-minding and Day Care (Children under 12). It is designed to guide and assess the development of knowledge and skills including those relating to leading teams and manag...
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care Learning and Development (Northern Ireland)
This qualification is designed to provide learners with underpinning knowledge and skills needed when working with children. It covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas in children’s settings, including early years. The qualification then builds on this knowledge and provides extended knowledge and skills to further learners understanding and provide a stepping stone into high...
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, quality assured by Stranmillis University College
*Application to this programme is via UCAS and is not done directly with SWC.* The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent and well qualified Early Years Practitioner. The Foundation Degree will give you a nationally recognised qualification an...
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, quality assured by Stranmillis University College (Part-Time)
The closing date for this year is 11th June 2025. Therefore, all completed applications should be uploaded to our system by Friday 6th June 2025 to allow processing time. The Foundation Degree will provide you with the opportunity to develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of early years and related issues, enabling you to become a competent ...
BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from Stranmillis University College; validated by Queen’s University Belfast
*Applications must be made to Stranmillis directly before 1st March on year of entry.* This is a four year part-time course aimed at those interested in a career in Early Years. The theoretical training establishes and develops the skills necessary to cope with the challenges of supporting, caring for and educating young children in a professional environment. A work based elem...
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development
The qualification allows learners to gain in-depth knowledge and understanding about child development (0-12 years) and to develop and refine the practical and technical skills required for employment and / or career progression in the Early Year and Childcare sector, working with children from 0-5 years and 11 months. This qualification is available as Full Time, Part Time or via an App...
City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development
This qualification has been designed to provide an understanding of the children and young people's sector. This also gives an introduction to the practical skills and knowledge required to work in this area.
Progression
Level | Options | Course Options |
---|---|---|
Level 1/2 | Equivalent to 4 GCSEs (Alternative to repeating GCSEs) | City & Guilds Level 2 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development |
Level 3 | Equivalent to 3 A-Levels (ideal for progression to University) |
City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care Learning and Development (Northern Ireland) |
Level 5/6 | Degree courses accredited by |
Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies, validated by Queen’s University Belfast, quality assured by Stranmillis University College BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies from Stranmillis University College; validated by Queen’s University Belfast |