Children and Young People's Education

If you want a career working with children and young people, we can offer you a great start. This growing industry offers many exciting employment opportunities – from advanced teaching assistants to play therapists and family support workers.

Our range of courses in Early Years and Childcare are highly regarded among industry professionals. Each course is designed to offer progression to university or employment

Students working in classroom

BTEC HND in Early Years Professional Leadership (HTQ)

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Early Years Professional Leadership is a two-year programme designed to inspire and support the next generation of early years leaders. Across the course, you will study Level 4 in your first year and progressing to Level 5 in your second. This carefully structured pathway allows you to build confidence, knowledge, and professional skills at each stage of your learning journey. Created to reflect the needs of the early years education and care sector, the course helps you develop into a reflective, adaptable, and confident professional. Whether you are already working in an early years setting or looking to take the next step in your career, you will gain the skills needed to lead with purpose and make a positive difference to children and families. As an approved Higher Technical Qualification (HTQ), the programme offers clear progression routes for Level 3 qualified students, those aspiring to leadership roles, and individuals entering the sector from a different career background. Throughout the course, you will explore key areas such as child development, safeguarding, inclusive practice, leadership, and quality improvement. Learning is brought to life through a blend of academic study and practical application, supported by experienced tutors and industry-informed teaching. By the time you complete the HND, you will be well prepared to progress into supervisory or management roles within early years settings, or to continue your studies at degree level.

  • Orpington
  • 09/09/2026
  • HE
  • Full Time

Certificate in Understanding Distressed Behaviour in Children

Trying the patience of parents is part of a child’s healthy and normal development, it’s a child’s way of practicing their independence. As difficult and frustrating as this may be for parents, these episodes often pass. Distressed behaviour in children is pro-longed and can take many forms – anger, lack of attention, physical and verbal abuse, reluctance to socialise, self-harm and risk of injury to themselves or others. This course is ideal for those who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of distressed behaviour in children. It’s also valuable for anyone who is planning a career that requires an understanding of distressed behaviour and is looking to gain a qualification in this. The programme is suitable for those who desire to form a foundation due to little or no previous experience of the topic.

  • Virtual College
  • Various
  • Level 2
  • Part Time

Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health - Certificate

One in ten children have a diagnosable mental health condition, and 75% of mental health problems have begun by the age of 24. Mental ill health can affect a young person in every area of their life, including family, school, friendships, the workplace and the wider world. Mental ill health can be worsened by negative stereotypes and stigma from the media who portray mental illness as shameful and dangerous. This course will equip learners with a detailed understanding of mental health conditions including depression and anxiety, the legislation and guidance surrounding mental health, risk factors that may affect mental well-being and how to build resilience against these, and the impact mental health concerns may have on young people and others. This course is ideal for learners who want to increase their knowledge and understanding of children and young peoples mental health. This qualification supports progression onto further mental health qualifications and into relevant employment in the health and social care or education sector

  • Virtual College
  • Various
  • Level 2
  • Part Time

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