Level 1 Award in Working With Children

Course Code

N/A

Course Duration

16 weeks (Mondays & Thursdays, 9:30am – 12:30pm)

Location

Cradley Heath Skills Campus

Start Date

1 February, 2026
Childcare lecturer leading students in a craft activity

Take your first formal step towards a career working with children with this 16-week Level 1 qualification. You’ll build a strong foundation in early years knowledge, learning about child development, play, communication, safeguarding and the role of early years practitioners in different settings.
This course is ideal for adults who want to explore childcare as a future career, build confidence returning to study, or prepare for Level 2 qualifications. You’ll complete a mixture of practical and written tasks that help you understand what working with children involves in real-life contexts.

Delivered at Cradley Heath Skills Campus, you’ll study in a supportive adult environment designed to help adults thrive.

Who is this course for?

Ideal for adults aged 19+ who want to:
• Explore a career in childcare or early years
• Build confidence working with young children
• Prepare for Level 2 childcare pathways
• Understand the responsibilities of early years work
• Progress into volunteering or entry-level roles

No prior experience required.

• You must be aged 19+
• Fully funded for most adults living in the West Midlands Combined Authority area

You will explore:
• Stages of child development
• Supporting children’s learning through play
• Effective communication and positive interaction
• Safeguarding, safety and professional responsibilities
• Understanding early years and school-based roles

Learning includes practical tasks, real-life scenarios and reflective activities.

Learners at Cradley Heath Skills Campus benefit from:
• A modern and well-equipped adult learning centre designed to support confidence and practical learning
• Tutors with early years and school-based experience who provide personalised guidance
• Being part of The Sandwell Colleges — the highest-performing group in the West Midlands for achievement
• A friendly, supportive community where adult learners progress together

You will attend two sessions per week. No exams, assessment is through coursework, activities and tutor feedback.

You may go onto further study at Cradley Heath Skills Campus:
• Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools & Colleges
• Childcare Taster Courses
• English, Digital Skills or Employability programmes

This course also supports entry into volunteering or early years support roles.

Course Details

Qualification

Level 1

Exam Board

N/A

Study Mode

N/A

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