Menu Vision Logo 2

High demand, limited places - Apply now for September 2025!

With record-breaking applications, many courses for September 2024 were already full by spring time. With an increasing number of school leavers in our local area, the same high demand is expected for September 2025. So apply early to secure your place and avoid disappointment!

Book onto an upcoming open event to discover more.

Principles in Childcare and Education (PCE)

Overview

Have you always imagined yourself working with children and young people? This 10-week induction course could be your next step towards your dream career.  

Throughout this short course, you will recognise and develop the skills to work or volunteer with children and young people within an educational or early years setting.

If you decide you want to continue with a career in education or early years, you can go on to study either the Diploma in Supporting in Teaching and Learning (Teaching Assistant) - Level 3 or the Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) - Level 3


Start dates and fees

The course takes place on Wednesday evenings from 6-8pm.

Please contact us for an explanation of payment methods and information about individual costs.

Start DateCodeAnnual Fee (Age)Actions
over 19
15/01/20251193A104£60.00Apply
17/09/20251193A102£60.00Apply
14/01/20261193A104£60.00Apply

What will I study?

  • Introduction to work based placement
  • Introduction to study
  • The importance of play
  • Equality and diversity
  • Principles of education and early years
  • Introduction to child development.

Entry requirements

The course is only available to those aged 19 years and over.

  • You will need to complete a satisfactory DBS check to ensure your suitability for working with children which costs £44 and the college will help you obtain this on your behalf
  • You must be able to volunteer for a minimum of 6 hours a week in a school or college setting.

How long is the course?

11 weeks.


How will I be assessed?

  • You will be assessed from reflections of your work completed in college and in your work placement setting, alongside completing a research task.

Career opportunities


How do I apply?

Apply online

Next steps

Attend an open event

View our upcoming events

Call our general enquiries team

0808 100 3626
Getting to college Financial support How to apply Course guides

Why choose West Notts?

An icon of a handshake in a circle

Courses created in partnership with local employers to meet their specific workforce needs.

An icon of two hands holding a heart in a circle

Excellent student support services from careers and financial advice to health and wellbeing.

An icon of a bus in a circle

We offer a flexible and cost-effective travel pass to all students and apprentices.

An icon of a building in a circle

We have nine campuses each boasting a number of state-of-the-art facilities.

An icon of a book in a circle

We offer a wide-range of FREE* adult courses.*subject to eligibility.

2020 Appeals Process | Policies and statements | Freedom of Information | Accessibility Statement | Modern Slavery Statement | Privacy Notices
© West Nottinghamshire College