Early Years & Childcare | NCFE Diploma in Children’s and Young People’s Settings | Level 1 | Brighton MET
Why this course?

This course offers an insight into both the early years and health and social care worlds, to help you decide which you would like to specialise in.
Working in small classes, you will notice that your self-confidence and self-esteem will grow, with the help and support from experienced tutors and teaching assistants. The course also boosts your social skills and ability to get on with a variety of different people. Your study programme will also include some supported English and Maths sessions and provide a first step towards gaining qualifications.
The college has excellent links with hospitals, schools, nurseries and care homes across Brighton. Regular placements with these institutions give our students the opportunity to work with future employers and gain the skills and confidence required for this challenging and rewarding industry.
GB MET welcomes students from all walks of life and offers courses specifically designed for those who may need some additional support with their learning.
In 2021, Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust launched The Health and Care Academy in partnership with GB MET to educate and support the next generation of healthcare workers. This gives you access to valuable work experience and employment opportunities.
Please note: This course takes place at our East Brighton Campus.
- Fantastic links with local employers, including Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
- Work placements provide practical experience
- Inspirational guest speakers
- High progression rates to employment
Start dates
Start | |
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September 2022 | Apply |
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Staff Profiles
Entry requirements
At least two GCSEs at grade 2 (F) or above, preferably including English and maths.
ESOL applicants will require E3 or above.

Course content
- Skills in caring for young children
- Mental health
- Understanding child development
- Working in health and social care
- Working in children's and young people's settings
- Principles and values in health and social care
- Principles and values in adults and children
- Principles and values in young people, early years and childcare
Why the MET?
- Excellent links with hospitals, schools, nurseries and care homes across Brighton
- Small group sizes
- Gain a holistic understanding of the care sector
- Opportunity for work experience
- Stepping stone to a level 2 course
- Additional lessons in employability
Facilities
- Access to quality teaching resources, rooms and studios
- Online access to course documents, resources and study support through the METs virtual learning environment
- Library and computing facilities
- Access to the MET’s student services, including career advice and additional learning support
- Cafés and coffee bars with a wide range of reasonably priced meals, snacks and drinks

Work experience & what's next?
Following a Pathways course, you can progress to further training at Level 1 or sometimes Level 2, either full-time or as an apprentice.
Future Careers:
- Nursery worker
- Nanny
- Nursery nurse
- Teaching assistant
- Primary school teacher
- Social worker
- Children’s holiday rep

Course costs
Course fees
This course is free (you do not have to pay fees) if:
- You are a UK citizen, hold EU Settlement Status or have a visa which could qualify you for home status.
- AND you are under 19 on 31 August in the year you are studying.
More information about fees for college courses and financial support for 16-19 year olds can be found here. Please speak to our Admissions team if you have any further queries: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk | 01273 667704
Course is free if you meet the following criteria
If you will be aged 19-23 when your course begins and you have not already achieved a full Level 2 or above, you may not have to pay any fees. For more information, please speak to our Admissions team: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk | 01273 667704
Course is free if you meet the following criteria
You may not have to pay any fees if you will be aged 19 or over when you begin this course and:
- You are in receipt of Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- OR you are receiving a means tested benefit, earning less than £343 per month (take home) if you are a sole claimant or £549 a month if you have a joint claim with your partner, and are completing the course to improve your employability
- OR if you are working and earn less than £17,004 per year (gross pay)
You will need to provide evidence and sign a declaration when you enrol.
Subsidised fees
If the above does not apply to you, you may still be eligible for a subsidised fee. For more information, please speak to our Admissions team: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk | 01273 667704
