Previous
Next

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 ...

 

Scroll down to view our courses
or select a section to jump to:

 

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.

OUR PARTNERS INCLUDE:

Busy buddies at puxton park logo
the nursery logo
Mendip Green School
Little Bears day nursery logo
Christ Church CE VA primary school logo

FIND OUT MORE HERE >>

  • Show me:
  • All
  • In College
  • Apprenticeships
  • T-Levels
Level 1

Childcare, Pre-technical Certificate

1 Year
Sep 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

At our Knightstone Campus, the education and early years department boasts outstanding, sector-specific facilities, including a fully equipped community room, bright modern classrooms, two industry-style training rooms, and a unique bubble room designed for hands-on messy play activities. With strong employer partnerships, highly experienced ...

Click Here
Level 2

Early Years Practitioner, Apprenticeship

13 Months
Aug 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

If you have a passion for nurturing children's development, fostering their curiosity, and providing a supportive environment for their early educational journey, then an Early Years Practitioner Apprenticeship is the perfect opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career. Course Overview The role of an early years practitioner is both rewardin...

Click Here
Level 2

Early Years Vocational, Technical Diploma (with license to practice)

1 Year
Sep 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

At our Knightstone Campus, the education and early years department boasts outstanding, sector-specific facilities, including a fully equipped community room, bright modern classrooms, two industry-style training rooms, and a unique bubble room designed for hands-on messy play activities. With strong employer partnerships, highly experienced ...

Click Here
Level 3

Access to HE Diploma (Education, Youth Work and Child Development)

1 Year
Sep 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

This exciting new course is designed for people aged 17–18 who are passionate about working with children and young people. It is perfect for anyone aiming to start a career in teaching, child development, childcare, social work, or the criminal justice system. What will I study? The modules in this course typically include: Psychology Hea...

Click Here
Level 3

Assisting Teaching, T Level

2 Years
Sep 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

Designed in collaboration with employers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector, this T Level provides a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in diverse educational settings, preparing you for a rewarding career working with children. What will I study? The Assisting Teaching T Level is a comprehensive and industry-focused ...

Click Here
Level 3

Early Years Educator, Apprenticeship

18 Months
Aug 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

If you aspire to work with children, this apprenticeship offers an invaluable opportunity to turn your passion into a fulfilling career. Throughout this apprenticeship, you will acquire the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to become a skilled and compassionate early years educator. What will I study? From fostering a safe an...

Click Here
Level 3

Early Years Educator, T Level

2 Years
Sep 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

At our Knightstone Campus, the education and early years department boasts outstanding, sector-specific facilities, including a fully equipped community room, bright modern classrooms, two industry-style training rooms, and a unique bubble room designed for hands-on messy play activities. With strong employer partnerships, highly experienced ...

Click Here
Level 3

Teaching Assistant, Apprenticeship

18 Months
Aug 2026
KNIGHTSTONE CAMPUS
Click Here

This apprenticeship will help you develop the skills you’ll need to assist and support teachers and children in the classroom, including supporting children with special educational needs and emotional vulnerabilities. You’ll be expected to act as a role model to the children, take an active part in lesson planning, and act with kindness a...

Click Here

No courses to show for this type

ucw logo
You can progress onto degrees and higher apprenticeships with UCW...
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE

OUR EARLY YEARS VIDEOS

Courses after College

Your journey to University Centre Weston starts here...

Want to take a look around?

Taken straight from our virtual open evenings, take a guided tour of our Early Years facilities!

Meet the Early Years and Education Employers

Meet our team

Avatar Karen Morgan Subject Area Manager
"Quote"
Avatar Vanessa Parslow Lecturer in Early Years
"Quote"
Avatar Charlotte Howe Lecturer in Early Years Read More
Avatar Ashleigh Sweeney Lecturer in Early YearsRead More

NEW EDUCATION AND EARLY YEARS FACILITIES

×

1 / 6
2 / 6
3 / 6
4 / 6
5 / 6
6 / 6

 

Occupations related to Education and Early Years

Show All

LATEST NEWS

Learners and teachers at service sector end of year celebration

<p>The service sectors faculty recently held their end of year celebration in the Knightstone Bistro at Weston College, to award the achievements of learners’ outstanding performance and dedication throughout the academic year.</p>

<p>The Service Sector Department at Weston College encompasses a diverse range of courses, including <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hospi… &amp; Hospitality,</a> <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… &amp; Early Years</a>, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… </a>&amp; <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/beaut…; and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/compu…;. These programs aim to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in the dynamic and ever-expanding service industry.</p>

<p>Over 160 learners attended the event in support of their peers and the event was hosted by Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, who praised the students for their unwavering commitment and perseverance. She emphasized the importance of their chosen fields and highlighted the immense opportunities awaiting them in the service sector.</p>

<p>Each of the four subject areas presented the ‘Employer of the Year’, ‘Apprentice of the Year’ and ‘Learner of the Year’ award, based on nominations from teachers and peers across the faculty. Reasons for nominations and winners ranged from exemplary academic performance, strong work ethic, leadership skills, and contributions to their courses.</p>

<p>The winners were:</p>

<p><strong>Digital Employer Nomination</strong>- Maple from SenseIT</p>

<p><strong>Digital Apprentice of the year</strong>- Rion</p>

<p><strong>Digital Full-time learner of the year</strong> – Luke</p>

<p><strong>Hair and Beauty Employer Nomination</strong>- Ellie from Aesthetica</p>

<p><strong>Hair and Beauty Apprentice of the year</strong>- Kate</p>

<p><strong>Hair and Beauty Full-time learner of the year</strong> – Kiera</p>

<p><strong>Education and Early Years Employer Nomination</strong>- Ruby from Little Bears</p>

<p><strong>Education and Early Years Apprentice of the year</strong>- Amy</p>

<p><strong>Education and Early Years Full-time learner of the year</strong> – Callie</p>

<p><strong>Hospitality Employer Nomination</strong>- Anthony from The Rising Sun</p>

<p><strong>Hospitality Apprentice of the year</strong>- Owen</p>

<p><strong>Hospitality Full-time learner of the year</strong> – Sophie</p>

<p>Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty, commented on the success of the event: “I am so proud of all the learners and their achievements from the past year. It has been an absolute pleasure watching everyone develop their skills in their chosen industry, and I cannot wait to see what they go on to achieve following their time at the college.”</p>

<p>The end-of-year celebration at Weston College's Service Sector Department not only recognized the exceptional achievements of its students but also served as a reminder of the college's commitment to nurturing talent and preparing individuals for success in their chosen fields. The event left everyone inspired and eager to embark on their professional journeys, armed with the knowledge and recognition they had gained during their time at Weston College.</p>

Preschool child playing with blocks

<p>Our <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Level Year 1 Education and Early Years</a> learners hosted their first Stay and Play of the year in our purpose-built Community Room on Thursday afternoon. Learners set up a range of activities including painting, playdough and a story corner, which they then welcomed a group of children from <a href="https://thenursery.uk.com/">The Nursery</a> to come and play! The Nursery is in Portishead, and has a great relationship with the Early Years learners, particularly as they are a <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> Employer. This means they provide industry placement opportunities for our learners, and provide industry standard knowledge that can influence the content taught on the course.</p><p>It was a lovely afternoon had by both children and learners, and they received some amazing feedback following the session!</p><p>The Nursery commented, “We have made a really valuable link with Weston College to support our future early years practitioners. The preschool children explored the wonderful activities the students had set up, and interacted so confidently in the new space. We are all looking forward to returning and trying out some fun new activities.”</p><p>The Assessor and Placement Officer for Early Years, Rachael Moger, commented, “The Stay and Play was a fantastic opportunity for both the learners and the children. We’re very lucky to have The Nursery as a CEH Employer – ensuring work experience opportunities to our learners is so important to us here at Weston College, so having that close working relationship with The Nursery is so beneficial. We all can’t wait until the next Stay and Play, which is Christmas themed!”</p><p>Click here if you’d like to find out more about <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… Years</a> and <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/t-lev… Levels</a>.</p>

Official Opening of the New Education and Early Years hub

<p>Today members of local council, ESFA, ETF, schools and nurseries, all joined Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of Weston College and the Mayor of Weston-super-Mare, Councillor James Clayton, who together, officially opened the new Education and Early Years facilities at Weston College.</p>

<p>This new hub will meet the growing demand from employers both locally and regionally to train staff of the future, preparing them ready to join a growing industry.</p>

<p>The Education and Early Years facilities have been developed in conjunction with the <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/career-excellence-hubs">Career Excellence Hub</a> employers: Busy Buddies, Little Bears, DaisyChain, Mendip Green, YMCA and Storal Learning, who ensure not only that the course content includes insights of industry leaders, but also that the new facilities will be industry standard to give them real-life experience.</p>

<p>The grand opening included a tour of the brand new £600k Education and Early Years hub that includes:</p>

<ul>
<li>Community Room – to allow us to host stay and play and other community sessions.</li>
<li>Child and Healthcare Room – a multi-functional space for food prep and mid-session naps.</li>
<li>Primary School Room – an engaging environment full of multi-curricular activities.</li>
<li>Creative and Exploratory Atelier – a non-traditional learning environment to host messy-play, science activities and more.</li>
<li>Observation room – includes one-way mirrors so learners do not influence a child’s play.</li>
</ul>

<p>Sandra Bull, Dean of the Faculty said: “The new hub is really impressive, I’m so pleased it’s come to fruition. It’s really important for us that all learners get real-life experience to ensure they are equipped with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the modern jobs market.”</p>

<p>These new facilities are matched with an exciting portfolio of study programmes. For school leavers there will be full-time college-based courses, apprenticeships plus the new flagship T Level – the gold-standard in qualifications where learners can follow a college-based programme and gain sector experience through an industry placement. Plus, a range of options for adults for those who would like to upskill or re-train as an early years practitioner or teaching assistant.</p>

<p>Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive, Weston College added: “It was a privilege to officially open the new facilities today. This is just one element of a College-wide initiative to ensure we are making aspirational careers a reality for all our learners regardless of their starting point in life.”</p>

<p>The build is co-funded by T Level Capital funding, awarded by the Department for Education.</p>

<p>Find out more</p>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… for school leavers starting in September</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-adults/course-finder?… for adults starting in January</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/news-and-events/events">Next open event</a></li>
</ul>

Got a question?

Whatever you'd like to know, we're here to help...

Apply or find out more


Marketing Permissions

We’d love to keep you informed about vacancies, courses, and updates we think you’ll find valuable. You can unsubscribe or opt out at any time.
Your personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Please let us know how you’d like to hear from us:

Email

By submitting this form you are consenting to Weston College recording and processing the personal information on this form, for any purposes of the college associated with the provision of advice and guidance to potential students on the range of courses available to them, college facilities and any other associated information. In accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018, the information will only be used for the above mentioned purposes.

You will need to complete a full enrolment form prior to starting your course.

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.