Education and Early Years
Education and Early Years
STUDYING EDUCATION AND EARLY YEARS AT WESTON COLLEGE
For those looking to make a difference to the lives of children and young people, we offer education and early years courses, to help people secure their first posts, or take the next step in their career journeys.
As a long-established education provider in this sector, with fantastic new facilities, we are well placed to draw on our links with employers, and the strength of our teaching team, to keep our courses in this area highly relevant and evidence-based.
We also give students access to placements, guest speakers and regular practice-based opportunities, so that they leave us extremely well placed to progress in their careers.
Since the demand for trained childcare workers is increasing, the choice of career paths and the volume of job opportunities available are plentiful ...
Job roles in the West of England currently include:
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We've bundled the best education in the area with career boosted benefits - and are leveraging our contacts as one of the largest Colleges in the country to give you the best possible chance of success.
Childcare, Pre-technical Certificate
If you’re passionate about working with children and want to begin your journey into early years education,…
Early Years Practitioner, Apprenticeship
Begin a rewarding career helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. This apprenticeship combines paid…
Early Years Vocational, Technical Diploma (with license to practice)
Prepare for a rewarding career in early years education with this hands-on vocational diploma. Gain your…
Early Years Educator, Apprenticeship
Start a rewarding career supporting young children to learn, develop, and thrive. This apprenticeship…
Education and Early Years - Assisting Teaching, T Level
Prepare for a rewarding career supporting young children with this employer-designed T Level. Combine…
Teaching Assistant, Apprenticeship
Help children achieve their potential while earning a salary and gaining valuable classroom experience. This…
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If you’re passionate about working with children and want to begin your journey into early years education, this introductory course is the perfect starting point. The Childcare Pre-Technical Certificate helps you build confidence, develop essential skills, and gain a clear understanding of what it’s like to support young children in their...
Click HereBegin a rewarding career helping young children learn, grow, and thrive. This apprenticeship combines paid employment with professional training, giving you the practical skills, knowledge, and experience needed to support children's development in a real early years setting. Course Overview The Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship is an ex...
Click HereEarly Years Vocational, Technical Diploma (with license to practice)
Prepare for a rewarding career in early years education with this hands-on vocational diploma. Gain your Licence to Practise, develop professional skills through extensive placement experience, and qualify to work in early years settings or progress to higher education. Course Overview The Early Years Vocational Technical Diploma is a two-year...
Click HereEarly Years Vocational, Technical Diploma (with license to practice)
Prepare for a rewarding career in early years education with this hands-on vocational diploma. Gain your Licence to Practise, develop professional skills through extensive placement experience, and qualify to work in early years settings or progress to higher education. Course Overview The Early Years Vocational Technical Diploma is a two-year...
Click HereStart a rewarding career supporting young children to learn, develop, and thrive. This apprenticeship combines paid employment with professional training, giving you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to become a qualified Early Years Educator in a real childcare setting. Course Overview If you're passionate about helping children learn thr...
Click HereEducation and Early Years - Assisting Teaching, T Level
Prepare for a rewarding career supporting young children with this employer-designed T Level. Combine classroom learning with extensive industry placement experience to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for careers in early years education or higher education. Course Overview The Early Years Educator T Level is a two-year te...
Click HereEducation and Early Years - Assisting Teaching, T Level
Prepare for a rewarding career supporting young children with this employer-designed T Level. Combine classroom learning with extensive industry placement experience to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for careers in early years education or higher education. Course Overview The Early Years Educator T Level is a two-year te...
Click HereEducation and Early Years - Assisting Teaching, T Level
Prepare for a rewarding career supporting young children with this employer-designed T Level. Combine classroom learning with extensive industry placement experience to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed for careers in early years education or higher education. Course Overview The Early Years Educator T Level is a two-year te...
Click HereHelp children achieve their potential while earning a salary and gaining valuable classroom experience. This apprenticeship combines workplace learning with professional study, preparing you to support teachers, inspire young people, and build a rewarding career in education. Course Overview The Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship is ideal for p...
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OUR EARLY YEARS VIDEOS
Courses after College
Your journey to University Centre Weston starts here...
Taken straight from our virtual open evenings, take a guided tour of our Early Years facilities!
Meet our team
NEW EDUCATION AND EARLY YEARS FACILITIES
Occupations related to Education and Early Years
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<p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Weston College proudly announces a remarkable <strong>96.6% pass rate</strong> for its T Level students, <strong>exceeding the national average by 5.6%.</strong> This achievement highlights the college's dedication to providing exceptional technical education and preparing students for successful careers. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>T Levels are rigorous two-year qualifications, equivalent to three A Levels, designed in collaboration with employers to equip students with the skills and experience demanded by industry</strong>. Weston College's impressive results reflect the dedication of both students and staff in embracing this innovative educational pathway. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">In celebration of this success, Weston College is excited to expand its T Level offerings for the upcoming academic year. This September 2025, prospective students can enrol in the following T Level courses: </span></p><ul><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima…; aria-label="Link Animal Management" id="menur2d5" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/anima… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Animal Management</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Specialising in either Behaviour or Science, this course prepares students for careers in animal care, veterinary services, and zoological research.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; aria-label="Link Early Years" id="menur2d8" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Early Years</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Offering pathways in Early Years Education and Assisting Teaching, students gain the skills needed for roles in childcare settings and educational support.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin…; aria-label="Link Business Management and Leadership" id="menur2db" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/busin… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Business Management and Leadership</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Equips students with strategic and operational skills applicable across various sectors, paving the way for careers in management, marketing, and human resources.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve…; aria-label="Link Construction" id="menur2de" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/surve… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Construction</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Focusing on Design, Surveying, and Planning, this course prepares students for professions such as architecture, surveying, and project management.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…; aria-label="Link Digital" id="menur2dh" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Digital</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: With pathways in Production, Design, Development, and Support Services, students are prepared for careers in software development, IT systems, and cybersecurity.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin…; aria-label="Link Engineering and Manufacturing" id="menur2dk" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/engin… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Engineering and Manufacturing</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Provides comprehensive training in mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, leading to opportunities in industries like aerospace and green energy. </span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/law-t…; aria-label="Link Legal Services" id="menur2dn" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/law-t… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Legal Services</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Introduces students to the legal sector, preparing them for roles such as paralegals and legal executives.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat…; aria-label="Link Media, Broadcast, and Production" id="menur2dq" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/creat… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Media, Broadcast, and Production</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Combines technical expertise with storytelling, suitable for careers in television, radio, and digital media.</span></li><li><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev…; aria-label="Link Science" id="menur2dt" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Science</strong></span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">: Offers practical skills in laboratory techniques and data analysis, opening doors to careers in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and environmental science. </span></li></ul><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">These courses are designed to provide students with a <strong>blend of classroom learning and substantial industry placements</strong>, ensuring they graduate with both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Pat Jones, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College, expressed pride in the College's accomplishments: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"These results highlight the dedication and hard work of our students, demonstrating once again the excellent progress our students make toward higher education or employment. At Weston College, our focus extends beyond helping students pass exams—we are committed to equipping them for their future careers." </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Weston College remains dedicated to fostering an environment where students can achieve academic excellence and gain the practical skills necessary for their chosen careers. The expansion of T Level courses reflects the College's ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving needs of both students and the industries they aspire to join. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">For more information on T Level courses and application details, please click </span><a class="fui-Link ___1q1shib f2hkw1w f3rmtva f1ewtqcl fyind8e f1k6fduh f1w7gpdv fk6fouc fjoy568 figsok6 f1s184ao f1mk8lai fnbmjn9 f1o700av f13mvf36 f1cmlufx f9n3di6 f1ids18y f1tx3yz7 f1deo86v f1eh06m1 f1iescvh fhgqx19 f1olyrje f1p93eir f1nev41a f1h8hb77 f1lqvz6u f10aw75t fsle3fq f17ae5zn" href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev…; aria-label="Link here." id="menur2e0" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… style="background-color:inherit;font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">here</span><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">.</span></a><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"> </span></p><p> </p><p><span style="font-size:x-large;" data-teams="true"><strong>Meet our past T Level Students</strong> </span></p><p> </p><h3><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/my-t-level-experiences-weston-college-and… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Callum Kavanagh: Digital Production Design and Development T Level </strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt=""callum kavanagh on a PC"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="43987809-7248-4b67-830c-a460bd781448" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Callum embarked on the Digital Production Design and Development T Level at Weston College after completing a Level 2 course to build his foundational computing knowledge. His dedication led to an industry placement with Lloyds Banking Group, where he applied his skills in a real-world setting. Reflecting on his journey, Callum stated: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"Before joining the DPDD T Level with Weston College, I completed a Level 2 course. This helped to build my confidence and basic computing knowledge. Once I started the T Level, I was quickly introduced to the hands-on working experience side of the course, which benefitted me greatly." </span></p><p> </p><h3><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/gretas-successful-business-t-level-journe… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Greta: Business, Management, and Leadership T Level</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt=""Greta speaking at an employer conference"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b71a488b-a930-4384-adc4-16ad790f9a09" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Greta, a second-year student in the Business, Management, and Leadership T Level, secured an industry placement at Occuteach, an occupational training provider. There, she gained hands-on experience in marketing and client communications. She shared her enthusiasm: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"The course has been very informative and engaging, providing me with valuable insights into the business world."</span></p><p> </p><h3><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/health-t-level-graduate-celebrates-her-su… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Christiana: Health T Level Graduate</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt=""Christiana"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="08e5f78b-a773-4f5c-831e-185f9eda970a" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Christiana completed her Health T Level and transitioned seamlessly into a Nursing Assistant role at Weston Hospital. She attributes her employment to the practical experience gained during her studies: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"My placement during my T Level was at Weston Hospital—that experience was so incredible, and I now have a job on the ward where I did my placement." </span></p><p> </p><h3><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news/graces-early-years-t-level-experience"><s… style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true"><strong>Grace: Early Years Educator T Level</strong></span></a></h3><drupal-entity alt=""the early years classroom"" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ca26d3b0-fd26-41fa-b362-7d84d4b8a589" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">Grace's commitment during her Early Years Educator T Level led to a summer job offer from her placement at Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead. She praised the course's balance of theoretical and practical learning: </span></p><p><span style="font-size:inherit;" data-teams="true">"The T Level was a ‘great balance of placement and college hours,’ providing her with a unique blend of classroom learning and real-world experience to put her skills into practice."</span></p>
<p>This week, Emma Pattinson and Abi Steven from North Somerset Council Parenting Team visited our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… 2 Early Years T Level</a> learners to discuss the impact that a child’s environment can have on their development.<o:p></o:p></p><p>This workshop focused on Parental Conflict and the impact on children, adolescent brain development, and trauma informed approaches. These are all very important topics for the future generation of early years educators to understand and be aware of.</p><drupal-entity alt=""Abi talking to the students"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89a37e0c-4840-4bdb-aebb-104c8b78d05e" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p><o:p></o:p></p><p>During an <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</a> course, students are taught how to approach and talk to students, however they are less likely to be taught about how to interact with parents and families. Abi and Emma helped to build the students confidence with this by answering questions and discussing different home environments.<o:p></o:p></p><p>The session began by looking at the types of childhood trauma and the impact this trauma can have on a child’s development, not just mentally but holistically. Not only this, Abi and Emma also explained how children’s brains develop throughout their adolescence.<o:p></o:p></p><p>It is important for our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</a> students to understand that children need a supported environment, and their brain development can be impacted and have long term effects if they are exposed to an environment with regular conflict and trauma. It is also important to recognise children as individuals and that they are all different, therefore signs of trauma will not be universal and could appear differently depending on the child.<o:p></o:p></p><p>When discussing Parental Conflict, Abi organised her discussion in an engaging True or False format to get the students involved and thinking hard about the questions. The students seemed nervous and apprehensive to begin with but gained confidence in their answers as the session progressed.<o:p></o:p></p><p>They discussed the signs to look for when identifying a child suffering with family conflict as well as the distress and trauma that could accompany this. Abi also brought up statistics regarding parental relationships and the impact this could have on children which surprised some students.<o:p></o:p></p><p>As a final interactive task, Abi and Emma handed out large posters to the students, with the titles Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Academic/Cognitive, and Behaviour. The students were asked to fill out these sheets of paper with everything they knew regarding the impact that conflict and trauma could have on these topics. This was a great way to test their knowledge and encourage them to work together to fill in any blanks.<o:p></o:p></p><p>This was a very informative guest lecture as it made the students consider external factors that may explain certain child behaviour. This is a key part of being an early year’s educator as it is important to have a holistic approach to teaching and provide additional support to any children who may be experiencing family conflict or trauma.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Thank you to Emma and Abi from the North Somerset Council Parenting Team for taking the time to visit our students and deliver this impactful guest lecture.<o:p></o:p></p><p><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… you are interested in joining one of our Early Years courses in September, click here.</a></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">In the last month, our Level 1 </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; target="_blank">Education and Early Years</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners hosted two ‘Stay and Play’ sessions for families in the local community to join a fun-filled drop-in session led by our learners. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The first ‘Stay and Play’ event offered learners an opportunity to put their planning and facilitation skills into action while providing a welcoming space for children aged 0-5 and their parents or carers. Under the guidance of their tutors, learners carefully planned, resourced, and delivered a variety of age-appropriate activities to engage the children and create a fun, supportive environment. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Eight learners facilitated the event on the day, while their peers played a vital role in planning, setting up, and tidying the room. The excitement was evident as they welcomed 10 families to the session. Our learners took the lead in registering families upon arrival, completing risk assessments for activities, and ensuring everything ran smoothly throughout the event. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Activities designed by learners for the children"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f705b83a-e1d8-4a44-8072-15dc28ff1406" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p> </p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Despite some initial nerves, they embraced their roles with professionalism, engaging warmly with both the children and their parents. It was particularly rewarding to see the learners’ confidence grow as they interacted with families and managed the session with maturity. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Building on the success of the first session, our learners hosted their annual Christmas-themed ‘Stay and Play’ event. Once again, our Level 1 </span><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; target="_blank">Education and Early Years</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> learners took ownership of the session from start to finish, demonstrating their growing confidence and leadership skills. Their responsibilities included advertising the event, sourcing materials, and planning festive activities tailored for young children. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">The session was a joyful celebration of the season, welcoming children as young as 14 weeks old. Festive crafts, including Christmas card-making, were a highlight of the day, as was the opportunity for children to play with ‘snow,’ - a sensory experience that sparked curiosity and excitement. </span></p><drupal-entity alt=""Fake snow for the children to play with"" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="95babbdc-e2af-4f7e-908a-698b0ee772ba" data-embed-button="file_browser" data-entity-embed-display="image:image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"max_500x500","image_link":"","image_loading":{"attribute":"lazy"}}"> </drupal-entity><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"> </p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">To top it all off, a very special visitor, Santa Clause, made an appearance, delighting the children and gifting each one a book to take home. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">It was wonderful to see a different group of learners step into leadership roles for this session. Their confidence and enthusiasm were evident as they engaged with the children and formed positive connections with parents and carers. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">Events like these not only benefit the families in our community but also provide invaluable hands-on experience for our learners as they develop skills essential for their future careers. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><span style="font-size:inherit;">We look forward to hosting more sessions and continuing to strengthen the bond between our learners and the local community. </span></p><p style="margin-bottom:16px;margin-left:0;margin-top:16px;"><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; rel="noreferrer noopener" title="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa…; target="_blank">If you are interested in applying to one of our Education and Early Years courses in September, click here.</a><span style="font-size:inherit;"> </span></p>

