Childcare

Our short introductory courses Becoming a Childcare Practitioner, Becoming a Childminder and Step into Early Years (equivalent to Level 1) are delivered face to face at our centre in Arndale House. Our Level 2 and Level 3 Early Years qualifications are delivered online by a teacher via zoom with face to face visits into the workplace. 

Take a look at our Pathway to Childcare to help you to decide which of our courses is right for you. 

In order to work as a qualified early years practitioner in a nursery or school setting, there are specific qualifications that the Department for Education (DfE) require you to have.

These qualifications are described as ‘full and relevant’ and require you to be working or volunteering an early years setting so that assessment of your practice in the workplace can take place. 

The Department for Education checklist 

The Level 2 and Level 3 early years qualifications that Luton Adult Learning offer are ‘full and relevant’. 

It is also a requirement of the Department for Education (DfE) that anyone working as a qualified Level 3 Early Years Educator should also have Level 2 Functional Skills in English.

This is why at Luton Adult Learning we put such an emphasis on the importance of gaining good English skills.

Early years qualification requirements and standards

Scroll down to find out about the courses we have on offer. Click on the individual course titles to find out more information about each one. 

Please have a look at our Frequently Asked Questions section. 

If you are interested in a course, please come in to the centre and complete an assessment form. Alternatively, you can email us at workbasedlearning@lutonacl.ac.uk or call on 01582 490033. 

ESOL for Care and Support work (morning)

Day: Friday

Dates: 26 September 2025 - 19 December 2025

Length: 12 weeks

Time: 9:30am - 12pm

Location: Arndale House

Cost: Free*

(*Subject to eligibility. You will need to show us that you are a current resident in the UK. There are some exceptions, if you are not sure if you are eligible please call us on 01582 490033)
 

Becoming a Childcare Practitioner

Day: Tuesday

Date: 24 February 2026 - 24 March 2026

Length of course: 5 weeks

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Venue: Arndale House

Cost: Free*

(*Subject to eligibility. You will need to show us that you are a current resident in the UK. There are some exceptions, if you are not sure if you are eligible please call us on 01582 490033)

Becoming a Childminder

Day: Friday

Date: 09 January 2026 - 13 February 2026

Length of course: 6 weeks 

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Venue: Arndale House

Cost: Free*

(*Subject to eligibility. You will need to show us that you are a current resident in the UK. There are some exceptions, if you are not sure if you are eligible please call us on 01582 490033)

Developing Children's Numeracy Skills in a Childcare setting 

Day: Thursday

Date: 06 November 2025 - 11 December 2025

Length of course: 5 weeks

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Venue: Arndale House

Cost: Free*

(*Subject to eligibility. You will need to show us that you are a current resident in the UK. There are some exceptions, if you are not sure if you are eligible please call us on 01582 490033)

Step into Early Years

Day: Tuesday

Date: 04 November 2025 - 03 February 2026

Length of course: 12 weeks

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Venue: Arndale House

Cost: Free*

Please contact us to arrange an assessment and interview.

(*Subject to eligibility. You will need to show us that you are a current resident in the UK. There are some exceptions, if you are not sure if you are eligible please call us on 01582 490033)

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Day: Thursday

Start Date: 02 October 2025 - 25 June 2026

Length of course: 33 weeks

Time: 9.15am to 11.45am

Venue: Online

Cost: £995**

Please contact us to arrange an assessment and interview.

**Learners on the Level 1 and 2 courses may be eligible to have some or their entire course fees remitted. This course is free to learners who are unemployed, looking for work, available to start work and on one of these benefits: 

JSA, ESA (WRAG), Income Support, Council Tax/Housing Benefit, Working Tax Credit or other income related benefits. The learner must be named on the paperwork. This course may also be free if your income is under £25,750 gross per annum. You will need to provide evidence of this in the form of wage slips. 

Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry for Early Years Educator (BTEC Diploma)

Please contact us to arrange an assessment and interview.

Day: Thursday

Start date: 6 November 2025

Length of course: 21 months

Time: 12.30pm – 3pm

Venue: Live online Zoom classroom - fortnightly sessions

Cost: Free* through Free Courses for Jobs funding

*Subject to eligibility. If you are 19 or over and earn below £25,750. You will need to provide evidence of this in the form of wage slips. You will also need to show us that you are a current resident in the UK. If you are not sure if you are eligible, please call us on 01582 490033 or email us workbasedlearning@lutonacl.ac.uk

Please note this is a rolling programme so it is possible to start at different times in the year. Please contact us if you are interested in this course.

For more information on any of the above please contact us on 01582 490033 or workbasedlearning@lutonacl.ac.uk 

'My teacher is patient and I have learnt about how young children can build their self-confidence, social skills, self-control, exploration skills, expand their language and learn numeracy.'

Read more positive stories our learners have said about us.