HND Early Childhood Education & Care
This Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care is a qualification in a dynamic sector demanding adaptable professionals. Tailored for aspiring childcare professionals such as nursery nurses, childminders, and lead practitioners, it's also a pathway toward roles like early years/qualified teacher status. This course cultivates adaptability, self-reflection, and prepares students for evolving workplace demands. It provides vital opportunities to develop skills, knowledge, and attributes crucial for future employment and continued study in this sector.
The course aims to develop a broad knowledge and awareness of key aspects of the early childhood education and care sector. This course provides extensive knowledge of professional development, the early years curriculum along with communication, values & leadership for advanced early years practitioners. You will gain an understanding of the stages and sequences of brain development, physical development and social skills.
Applicants must be 18 years old by August 31st of the programme's start. GCSE (or equivalent) grades A*-C or 9-4 in English and Maths, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification. A minimum of 48 UCAS points from Level 3 qualifications like A-Levels, BTEC Diplomas, Access Courses, or equivalent. IELTS 5.5. Relevant work experience or professional qualifications may be considered—contact the course team for details. An Enhanced DBS check is required; ensure eligibility before joining course.
The course enhances personal, professional, and employability skills, preparing students for work or further higher education. Graduates progress to final year honours degrees like B.A. (Hons) Early Childhood Studies at University College Birmingham. Note, university entrance requirements vary; not all offer final year entry. Many students pursue honours degrees, PGCE programs, or primary education degrees, aspiring to become Primary School teachers.
At South & City College Birmingham, we offer a wide range of courses for most age groups.
School Leavers: For learners who are between the ages of 16 to 18, studies will be free.
Adults: For learners who are aged 19 or over, the cost of study will depend on the course or programme that you choose. Some courses may even be free*. If the course is not free, students aged 19 at the start of their programme who wish to study need to either pay their course fees, or take out an Advanced Learning Loan.
*Eligibility criteria applies. There may be an exception for students aged 19 or over that are taking their first full Level 3 qualifications (equivalent to A Levels and Access to HE Diplomas), who could be supported by the Learner Support Fund, or free adult course funded by the WMCA. To find out what financial support is available to you or whether your course is free, call our friendly admissions team on 0121 694 5000 during office hours, or email us via: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk, we look forward to hearing from you.
Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters
Higher Education: If you are planning to undertake one of our Higher Education courses you can apply for a loan with Student Finance England, or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan with the college to support towards your course fees. Adults may be eligible for FREE tuition through the WMCA's free courses for jobs offer.
Full details regarding our adult funding, or learner loans can be found on our website via: Money Matters
Enquire via our website today to chat to one of our Admissions team and make your right choice with South and City College Birmingham. Whatever your passion, we are here to help you land on your dream career path. Email: admissions-shared@sccb.ac.uk to find out what financial support is available. With various funds, loans and bursaries on offer, we may be able to help with travel expenses & childcare costs.
This 2-year full-time course at the Digbeth campus offers diverse learning approaches. About 32% includes lectures, tutorials, workshops, and collaborative work, while 68% emphasises independent study, research, assessments, and library use. Students gain essential practical experience with a minimum 525 hours work placement in an early childhood education setting across both years, typically 375 hours in year one and 150 hours in year two.
Is this course free?
