Childcare

Our short introductory courses Becoming a Childcare Practitioner, Becoming a Childminder and Step into Early Years (equivalent to Level 1) are delivered face to face at our centre in Arndale House. Our Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years qualifications are delivered online by a teacher via zoom with face to face visits into the workplace. 

Take a look at our Pathway to Childcare to help you to decide which of our courses is right for you. 

In order to work as a qualified early years practitioner in a nursery or school setting, there are specific qualifications that the Department for Education (DfE) require you to have.

These qualifications are described as ‘full and relevant’ and require you to be working or volunteering an early years setting so that assessment of your practice in the workplace can take place. 

The Department for Education checklist 

The Level 2 and Level 3 early years qualifications that Luton Adult Learning offer are ‘full and relevant’. 

It is also a requirement of the Department for Education (DfE) that anyone working as a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator should also have Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

This is why at Luton Adult Learning we put such an emphasis on the importance of gaining good English skills.

Early years qualification requirements and standards

Scroll down to find out about the courses we have on offer. Click on the individual course titles to find out more information about each one. 

If you are interested in a course, please come in to the centre and complete an assessment form. Alternatively, you can email us at info@lutonacl.ac.uk or call on 01582 490033. 

Passport to Childcare

Day: TBC

Date: TBC

Length of workshop: 1 session of 2 hours 

Time: TBC

Venue: TBC

Cost: Free*

Becoming a Childcare Practitioner

Day: Friday

Date: 10 January - 14 February

Length of course: 5 weeks

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Venue: Arndale House

Cost: Free*

Becoming a Childminder

Day: Thursday

Date: 9 January - 13 February

Length of course: 6 weeks 

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Venue: Arndale House

Cost: Free*

Developing Children's Numeracy Skills in a Childcare setting 

Day: Friday

Date: 28 February - 28 March

Length of course: 5 weeks

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Venue: Arndale House

Cost: Free*

*Subject to eligibility. You will need to show us that you have been a resident in the UK for more than 3 years. There are some exceptions, if you are not sure if you are eligible please call us on 01582 490033  

Step into Early Years (Childcare - Level 1) 

Day: Tuesday

Date: 12 November - 11 February

Please contact us to arrange an assessment and interview.

Length of course: 12 weeks

Time: 9.20am to 11.20am

Venue: Arndale House

Cost: Free

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Day: Thursday

Start Date: 26 September - 26 June  

Length of course: 33 weeks

Time: 9.15am to 11.45am

Venue: Online

Cost: £995**

**Learners on the Level 1 and 2 courses may be eligible to have some or their entire course fees remitted. This course is free to learners who are unemployed, looking for work, available to start work and on one of these benefits: 

JSA, ESA (WRAG), Income Support, Council Tax/Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit or other income related benefits. The learner must be named on the paperwork. This course may also be free if your income is under £25, 000 gross per annum. You will need to provide evidence of this in the form of wage slips. 

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner Year 1 of 2 Years*

This is a rolling programme.

Please contact us to arrange an assessment and interview.

Length of course: 66 weeks

Venue: Online

Cost: £2573***

***Please note that any adult aged 19 and over, who does not already have a level 3 qualification (equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels) or higher, can access the Level 3 Diploma for free through the National Skills Fund.

Payments in instalments may be arranged for anyone paying fees.

For more information on any of the above please contact us on 01582 490033 or info@lutonacl.ac.uk

'My teacher is patient and I have learnt about how young children can build their self-confidence, social skills, self-control, exploration skills, expand their language and learn numeracy.'

Read more positive stories our learners have said about us.