Photo of two students discussing their work in a classroom

Education and Childcare Services

NURTURE YOUR CARING SIDE WITH OUR NATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATIONS.

Offered at

Rotherham College Dearne Valley College

If you want to support and shape the next generation by teaching or supporting children, then a career in Childcare could be the perfect path for you.

Our range of qualifications at Rotherham College and Dearne Valley College can lead to a license to practice within the sector.

We work in partnership with infant schools, specialist schools, nurseries, children’s centres and childminders to ensure our students gain first-hand work experience of how to encourage children to learn, explore and be creative. This allows you to put into practice the theory you have learnt in class and also gain an insight into the many available roles in childcare.

During your course you’ll study topics such as communication with children and adults, child development, children’s health and wellbeing, health and safety, childhood illnesses, providing safe environments for babies and children and play and learning. You’ll also take part in practical activities including making story sacks featuring books, props and sensory materials, cooking for children, healthy eating, painting and displays as well as supporting care routines for babies and young children.

Outside the classroom you’ll be able to take part in enrichment activities which can include event management.

Your Pathways

  • Entry Level

    Childcare and Care

  • Level 1

    Care

  • Level 2

    Childcare

  • Level 3

    Childcare

  • Level 4/5

    Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies

  • Level 6

    BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies

Get started on
your journey

Select your course to begin your application

Study Education and Childcare Services

“My tutors are really supportive. I like learning about a range of in-depth topics relating to my course.”

Photo of Aimee Winstanley
Aimee Winstanley Level 3 Health and Social Care, Former student at De Warenne Academy

FUTURE CAREERS IN CHILDCARE

The childcare sector is ideal for those who are patient, caring and have a passion for helping children to develop, learn and reach their full potential.

Photo of two students being trained by a tutor in a childcare class

Houseparent

Average salary - £21,600*

A Houseparent looks after the welfare, safety and pastoral care of children in care or at boarding
schools.

Day-to-day tasks:

Maintain discipline, standards of behaviour and manners, do administration tasks like organise rotas, travel and weekend arrangements, write reports and attend meetings, give first aid and take pupils to medical appointments.**

Working environments:

Schools or children homes.

*Information from EMSI 2022 **Information from nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

Early Years Educator

Average salary - £23,400*

Early Years Educators help babies and children to develop and learn in a safe and supporting setting.

Day-to-day tasks:

Planning and supervising activities like art, music and cooking, helping children to learn numeracy and language skills through games, taking children on trips, observing children and writing reports, making sure children are safe and well and speaking with parents and carers.**

Working environments:

Nurseries, children’s homes or hospitals.

*Information from EMSI 2022 **Information from nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

BY 2025 THERE ARE EXPECTED TO BE 22,497 JOBS IN CHILDCARE AND EDUCATION IN SOUTH YORKSHIRE.

LIGHTCAST 2022

What our students say

“My tutors are really supportive. I like learning about a range of in-depth topics relating to my course.”

Photo of Aimee Winstanley
Aimee Winstanley Level 3 Health and Social Care, Former student at De Warenne Academy

“The teachers are very supportive in helping me achieve my ambition to study adult nursing at university.”

Photo of Maneerat Thongngoen
Maneerat Thongngoen Level 3 Health and Social Care Former student at De Warenne Academy
Futures For Everyone Find out more