Childcare 

All of our Childcare qualifications during 2023/2024 will be delivered online by a teacher via zoom and an e-learning platform with face to face visits into the workplace. We offer our short introductory course Becoming a Childcare Practitioner face to face at our centre in Arndale House. 


Please note that any adult aged 19 and over, who does not already have a level 3 qualification (equivalent to an advanced technical certificate or diploma, or A levels) or higher, can access the Level 3 Diploma for free through the National Skills Fund 


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


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. 

To register your interest for a course, please email us at info@lutonacl.ac.uk. Please note that enrolments for Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 courses are subject to interview and results of initial assessments in English and maths.

Becoming a Childcare Practitioner

Day: Friday

Start date: 19/01/2024 (Enrolment/induction 12/01/24)

End date: 16/02/2024

Length of course: 5 weeks

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Cost: Free*

*Subject to eligibility. You will need to show us that you have been a resident in the UK for more than 3 years. 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: Friday

Start date: 10/11/2023 (Enrolment support session 3/11/2023)

End date: 08/12/2023

Length of course: 5 weeks

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Cost: Free*

*Subject to eligibility. You will need to show us that you have been a resident in the UK for more than 3 years. There are some exceptions, if you are not sure if you are eligible please call us on 01582 490033  

Level 1 Award in Caring for Children

Day: Tuesday

Start Date: 27/02/24

End Date: 02/07/24

Please contact us to arrange an assessment and interview.

Length of course: 16 weeks

Time: 9.30am to 11.30am

Cost: £225**

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Day: Thursday

Start Date: Next enrolment to be confirmed 

End Date: 

Please contact us to arrange an assessment and interview.

Length of course: 33 weeks

Time: 9.15am to 11.45am

Cost: £995**

**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 £20,319 gross per annum. You will need to provide evidence of this in the form of wage slips. 

Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner Year 1 of 2 Years*

This is a rolling programme.

Please contact us to arrange an assessment and interview.

Length of course: 66 weeks

Cost: £2573***

***If you do not have a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to a free course. If you are not entitled to a free course, you may be eligible to access 19+ Advanced Learning Loans.

Payments in instalments may be arranged for anyone paying fees.

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

Childcare courses available:

    Call: 01582 490033 or Contact Us to apply for a course today