Online Childcare & Early Years Courses
Explore recognised Early Years, childcare, home-based childcare, nannying and babysitting qualifications. Learn at your own pace with personal tutor support and flexible payment options.
Our friendly team can help you find the right qualification.
Level 3 Early Years & Childcare
The practical route towards becoming a qualified Early Years Educator.
Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)
A practical qualification for those looking to work as a qualified Early Years Educator. Combines online assignments with workplace evidence across the 0–5 age range.
10 monthly payments of £119.50No credit check required
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your NCFE certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.
Level 3 Work in Home-based Childcare
Explore the knowledge needed to care for children in a home-based setting, including safety, development and professional responsibilities.
10 monthly payments of £49.60No credit check required
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your NCFE certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.
Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education
An introduction to childcare, children’s development and Early Years practice. This Award alone does not qualify you as an Early Years Educator.
10 monthly payments of £49.60No credit check required
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your NCFE certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.Home-based Childcare & Nanny Courses
For learners interested in caring for children in a family home.
Level 3 Award – Nanny / Home-based Childcare
A focused course for people interested in nannying and supporting children in their family home.
10 monthly payments of £39.60No credit check required
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your NCFE certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.
Level 2 Award in Babysitting
Learn about the responsibilities of babysitting, including keeping children safe and responding to their needs.
10 monthly payments of £39.60No credit check required
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your NCFE certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.Level 3 Health and Safety Awareness CPD
Understand workplace health and safety, risk assessments, common hazards and responsibilities for maintaining a safer environment.
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your CPD certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.Childcare & Specialist Support
Knowledge-based routes to build confidence and understanding.
Level 2 Certificate in Mental Health
Build your understanding of mental health and wellbeing in children and young people and how to offer appropriate support.
10 monthly payments of £39.60No credit check required
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your NCFE certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.
Level 4 Supporting Special Needs
Develop specialist understanding of supporting children and young people with special educational needs and additional needs.
10 monthly payments of £35.50No credit check required
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your NCFE certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.Level 3 Award in Supporting Individuals with Learning Disabilities
Learn about supporting individuals with learning disabilities, promoting inclusion and understanding individual support needs.
10 monthly payments of £89.50No credit check required
All learning resources, one-to-one tutor support, assessment and your NCFE certificate are included.
Nothing more to pay after enrolment.Studying Childcare & Early Years Courses Online
Our childcare courses are designed to fit around your everyday commitments. Study your learning materials online and work through assignments with guidance from your personal tutor.
Some qualifications are knowledge-based and can be completed without a placement. Others, especially the Early Years Educator Diploma, require practical experience and assessment in an appropriate setting.
Which Childcare Course Should I Choose?
Explore the Childcare and Education Award, babysitting or home-based childcare courses if you want to build knowledge before taking on a practical qualification.
Choose the Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma if you want a qualification designed to support work as a qualified practitioner and can complete the required placement.
Explore additional needs, learning disabilities and mental health courses to develop knowledge relevant to supporting children and families.
Placement Requirements Matter
The Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma requires a minimum of 300 placement hours, with evidence across the 0–5 age range. A knowledge-only Award is not a substitute for the full practical Early Years Educator qualification.
Important: Eligibility for Early Years staff-to-child ratios depends on the exact qualification and applicable Department for Education requirements. Check the individual course details before enrolling for a specific job role.
Careers in Childcare & Early Years
Childcare courses can help you develop knowledge for a variety of roles. The qualification you need will depend on your intended role, experience and employer requirements.
Support children’s learning, development and care in a nursery or other Early Years setting. A suitable full practical qualification is important.
Provide care and support for children in a family home, following appropriate safeguarding and professional responsibilities.
Build knowledge relevant to caring for children in a home setting, including safety, routines and child development.
Develop knowledge that may support work with children and families who have additional learning or support needs.
Childcare & Early Years FAQs
Which qualification do I need to become an Early Years Educator?
The Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator) is the practical qualification route shown here. Check the current Early Years qualification requirements for your intended role.
Can I study childcare without a placement?
Yes. Several knowledge-based courses, including babysitting, nannying and the Childcare and Education Award, do not require a placement. The Early Years Educator Diploma does require practical placement evidence.
How many placement hours are needed for the Early Years Educator Diploma?
De Montfort College requires at least 300 hours of suitable placement evidence. The placement must also provide experience across the required age ranges.
Will a childcare Award qualify me to work in nursery ratios?
Not automatically. A knowledge-only Award is different from a full Early Years Educator qualification. Eligibility depends on the specific qualification and current regulatory rules.
Are the courses completed online?
Course materials and knowledge assignments are available online. Where a qualification requires practical placement, that part must be completed in a suitable real-world setting.
Can I pay monthly?
Monthly payment options may be available. Please check the individual course page for the current price and payment plan before enrolling.
Can my employer enrol staff?
Yes. Employers can use our staff invoice enrolment page to enquire about enrolling staff.
Ready to take the next step?
Not sure which childcare or Early Years qualification would suit you? Our friendly team can talk through your options and help you choose with confidence.
- Find out which childcare qualification suits your goals
- Understand Early Years placement requirements
- Ask about flexible payments and studying online
- Friendly advice, with no pressure to enrol
We're happy to answer your questions before you enrol.