Early Years
Kickstart your career in Early Years at Hopwood Hall College where you'll embark on a comprehensive portfolio of competency-based programmes to meet your learning needs, ranging from Foundation level through to Level 5.
Our Courses
In addition to all core programmes, work placement experience is a mandatory requirement of the early years curriculum at level 2, 3 and higher.
All learners complete one or two full days a week in an early years/school setting and practical skills are assessed in the workplace by a vocational competent assessor.
All students will be subject to a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check.
Course content:
- Health and well-being
- Legislation, frameworks and professional practice
- Play, development and learning
- Professional development
- Observation, assessment and planning
- Working in partnership
- Keeping children safe
- Supporting children with additional needs
- Reflective practice
- Children’s development outdoors
- Safeguarding, protection and welfare of children
- Equality, diversity and inclusive practice
- Care and health needs
- Career development
- Supporting emergent literacy
- Supporting emergent maths
- Preparing for school readiness
- International perspectives
- Promote positive behaviour in Early Years Settings
- Partnership working in the Early Years
You will be taught at our Rochdale campus.
College Courses
Level 1 Child Care (Rochdale Campus)
Level 2 Diploma for The Early Years Practitioner
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare And Education
Level 3 Cache Diploma in Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) - Rochdale Campus
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Children's Learning Play And Development
University Centre
Foundation Degree Early Years Childhood Studies - Full Time
Foundation Degree Early Years Childhood Studies - Part Time
Part-time Courses
Introduction To Health, Social Care And Child Care
Level 2 NCFE Cache Certificate in Supporting Teaching And Learning - Part Time
Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Education and Care - Part Time
Level 3 Diploma for The Early Years Workforce - Part Time
Level 3 NCFE Cache Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning - Part Time
Level 2 Diploma for The Early Years Practitioner - Part Time
Level 3 Diploma for The Early Years Workforce - Part Time
Opening up opportunities...
If you are not yet clear on your ultimate career pathway, then our Early Years course is ideal to get to where you need to be, developing your skills and leading to a range of employment opportunities.
It could be your exciting first step towards a career as a Nursery Assistant, Early Years
Educator, Teaching Assistant, Youth Yorker, Assistant in Children’s Centres, Practitioner in Nursery Schools and Reception Classes.

College taught me a lot of important skills like academic writing and a wealth of knowledge on the educational development of children. I’ll never forget the feeling of making my tutors proud.