![girls sits on bench holding a children's book](/sites/default/files/styles/header_h_400_by_w_2560/public/2023-08/Hannah%20Morris%209-min.jpg?h=aa5c8787&itok=dzSsTHoQ)
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.
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If you’re passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of children, this certificate is an ideal choice for you as it provides the perfect introduction to a career in childcare. This comprehensive course will equip you with the essential knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care for children in various settings. Whether y...
Click HereThe role of an early years practitioner is both rewarding and essential in shaping the future of our youngest learners. 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...
Click HereThis qualification will provide you with knowledge and understanding of babies and young children aged up to seven. It will allow you to qualify as a ‘staff member’ under the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) staff-to-child ratio at Level 2. As part of this study programme you will develop your maths and English skills, attend tutorials...
Click HereIf 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. From fostering a safe and stimulating learni...
Click HereThis 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 HereThe Assisting Teaching T Level is a comprehensive and industry-focused programme that equips aspiring early years educators with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in the field. Designed in collaboration with employers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector, this T Level provides a unique opportunity t...
Click HereThe Early Years Educator T Level is a comprehensive and industry-focused programme that equips aspiring early years educators with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience necessary to excel in the field. Designed in collaboration with employers to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving sector, this T Level provides a unique opportunity...
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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
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NEW EDUCATION AND EARLY YEARS FACILITIES
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Show AllWHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY
Level 3 Childcare
Teaching Assistant Level 2 and 3 & Early Years Level 3.
LATEST NEWS
![Learners and teachers at service sector end of year celebration](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2023-06/MicrosoftTeams-image%20%2848%29_0.png?itok=eUYph8cY)
<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… & Hospitality,</a> <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/educa… & Early Years</a>, <a href="https://www.weston.ac.uk/what-can-i-study/courses-16-18-year-olds/hair-… </a>& <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](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2022-11/asia-preschool-building-block-toy-on-the-table-2022-08-01-02-04-54-utc_0.jpg?itok=HDpLbfgt)
<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>
![Staff standing on newly built bridge](/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2022-09/Forest%20School%202_1.jpg?itok=BfQ-Zq8Q)
<p>This summer we were presented with a really exciting opportunity, to create a new forest school for our Education and Early Years students!</p><p>It has been fantastic to see this come to fruition, with support from across faculty to make this such an exciting environment for learners. A couple of weeks ago, we joined forces with Construction staff to clear the brambles and build a wooden bridge to make the area safe and ready for learners.</p><p>The concept of Forest Schools originated in Scandinavia. The teaching approach was widely adopted in Denmark throughout the 1980’s and was believed to be the solution to the lack of indoor facilities for Pre-School children.</p><p>In the early 1990’s a group of nursery practitioners visited Sweden and witnessed the benefits. Following their return to the UK they developed a programme for Forest Schools. Forest Schools has now become widely accepted across the UK and the approach has taken on its own unique flavour which is being adopted elsewhere in the world.</p><p>The Education Career Excellence Hub at Weston College has always spent time on the theories and delivery linked to Forest schools, but this year with the support of our Future Business Partner’s Puxton Park and Busy Buddies, our learners can experience their own dedicated area on a weekly basis.</p><p>At Weston College we are committed to supporting learners to become more environmentally conscious, and we are always looking for ways to help the younger generations appreciate the outdoors and natural environments – with this being the next step in our journey.</p><p>There is also an increasing awareness of the importance of understanding wellbeing and self-development from a young age, so it is vital that our learners here at Weston College get the chance to understand and develop the skills required as they enter this Education sector changing for the future.</p><p>Going forward, our T Level learners will be instrumental in designing this space as part of their programme, and will study the holistic and learner led approach where space allows children to take risk and problem – solving a natural environment.</p><p>The Education Career Excellence Hub at Weston College delivers a wide range of courses where learners can go on into a teaching profession, teaching assistant, nursery professional, childminder or educational support. <a href="https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.w… our full suite of course, by clicking here</a>.</p><p><em>Sandra Bull, Dean of Faculty for Service Sectors</em></p>