Children's Care and Development

All childcare courses provide child development and childcare theory from birth to eight years. Each course has a large practical element during which students gain ‘hands-on’ experience in day nurseries, schools, playgroups and families. Practical sessions are enhanced using the College’s new ‘Skills Room’ at the Winsford Campus, classrooms have a state-of-the-art virtual learning environment, including cots, baby changing facilities and a virtual primary school classroom. The College has close links with a wide range of employers; guest speakers attend lectures and talk to the students about industry experience, vacancies and work placements, which helps to broaden the students’ understanding of childcare services.

The students are also involved in a volunteer scheme, ‘Holidays with Help’, which allows them to help families with disabilities during their vacations.

In addition, visits are included to local universities, such as Chester, Edge Hill and Stafford.

Careers in the Care sector include: primary school teaching, nursery officer in the social services, children's courier, nursery supervisor, creche, playgroup or pre-school leader, childminder, nanny or classroom assistant.