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Introduction to Early Education and Childcare

Course Title: Introduction to Early Education and Childcare (ESOL Entry 3)

Hours per week: 2.5 hours

More Course Details: Prospectus List | ontrack: Learner Hub

To Join: How can you join?

Brief course description:

This is a year-long course divided into four 9-week parts. You can join any part over the year. You will be required to join a maths class at the same time and work towards a level 1 qualification if you do not already have one.

Are you interested in working with children or learning more about how they grow and learn? Would you like to understand how nurseries and early years settings work in the UK? This course is designed for Entry 3 ESOL learners who want to explore early education and childcare while improving their English.

You will learn about how children develop through play, how to keep them healthy and safe, and how to work with families and other childcare professionals. You will study the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and build the English skills needed to work or volunteer in a childcare setting. You will also learn about important topics such as safeguarding, sustainability, and healthy eating. Each session includes speaking, listening, reading and writing activities linked to real childcare tasks. You will practise writing short reports, reading posters and leaflets, completing simple forms, and talking about children’s needs. The course includes guest speakers, local information, and the opportunity to observe a session within a children’s centre to help you understand more about early years work in the UK.

Objectives:

  1. Learn about the EYFS curriculum and the seven areas of learning, including communication, physical development and play
  2. Use English to describe children’s development, routines, and needs using appropriate vocabulary and sentence structures
  3. Understand different types of childcare settings (e.g. nursery, preschool, childminder), the roles and responsibilities within them, and the qualifications, pay, and progression routes available in early years work.
  4. Learn about safeguarding, DBS checks and how to report a concern
  5. Develop observation skills and complete simple childcare forms and records using the correct language
  6. Understand health and hygiene routines and be able to describe them using imperative verbs
  7. Explore sustainability in childcare and learn about reusable nappies and reducing plastic use
  8. Learn how to communicate with families, including different family types and special needs
  9. Use key vocabulary and grammar to write short reports, emails or CVs related to early years work
  10. Design and deliver a game or activity to support a child’s development

Entry requirements:

This is an Entry 3 ESOL class. You can already talk and write about everyday topics and communicate your ideas clearly. You are beginning to use the past tense and present perfect. You are working on improving your grammar and vocabulary for more formal or professional contexts. You will need to complete a pre-course assessment and have an interest in finding a career within a childcare setting. You will also be required to complete a maths qualification.

Equipment required:

Please bring:

  • A folder
  • Pens & pencils
  • Lined A4 paper
  • A smartphone (if you have one)
  • A reusable water bottle

We will give you the WIFI details in the first lesson.

What courses can I go on to:

This is a four-part course over the year, so each term you can progress onto the next stage. There are also other courses you can do after or at the same time as this course:

  • ESOL Speak with Confidence
  • ESOL For Life & Work
  • Entry 3 or Level 1 Speaking & Listening/ Reading & Writing Exam Class

Please ask your teacher for more information or contact ESOLAdvice@towerhamlets.gov.uk

What examination is there:

There is no examination for this course. You will agree individual learning goals with your tutor which you must achieve by the end of the course.

How will I know I am making progress:

At the start of the course, your tutor will talk with you about your goals and help you create an individual learning plan (ILP). You will have tutorial meetings to review your progress and discuss your strengths and areas for improvement. You will receive regular feedback on your work, including classwork, homework, and project tasks. You will need to attend all your classes and complete activities outside of class to make good progress.

If you miss 2 lessons in total, you will lose your place on the course.

Other info:

This course supports your personal development and helps you become an active citizen. You will build important skills for work and life, including:

  • Communication: speaking and writing clearly
  • Teamwork: working well with others
  • Problem-solving: dealing with common issues in childcare
  • Digital Skills: using technology for learning and working

You will also have the chance to meet local professionals and find out more about volunteering and work opportunities in childcare.

Extra support: If you have a learning difficulty, disability or other support needs, please tell us when you enrol or in your first class. We can provide extra help to support your learning.