Tilly Hyatt
Childcare student.
I am beyond happy. Thank you so much for all your help. I've honestly loved college. It's such a shame we missed out on the last half term in the classroom but I'll definitely keep in touch with people.
When you study one of our Child Development Studies courses, you’ll pick up essential childcare knowledge to support a child’s development, like understanding how to provide a safe environment and how to support positive behaviour. You’ll also build crucial skills in teamwork and communication – both with children and other adults.
Through our great relationships with local nurseries, you’ll gain invaluable experiences in real-world environments. You’ll put your understanding of the theory involved in childcare and teaching to the test by working with young children in a variety of events and work environments.
Whether you want to become a childminder, a nanny, or an early years educator, your journey to making a difference to young lives starts at NHC.
Who do you want to be?
Discover your future with our range of Child Development Studies courses
Career pathways
Working in a childcare setting, whether that’s in a direct teaching role or any form of support work, means that you’ll have the chance to help shape young people’s lives. There are plenty of career options for you to choose from in this sector, including (but not limited to):
- Early Years Teacher
- Education Consultant
- Education Mental Health Practitioner
- Family Support Worker
- Health Play Specialist
- Learning Mentor
- Primary School Teacher
What our students say
Crystal Johnson
Childcare student.
I enjoy talking to and meeting new children and teaching them what I have learnt about cooking new foods from fresh!
Runa Nancarrow
BTEC Level 2 Technical Diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development.
The puzzle activity I completed in class taught me in a practical way that children use trial and error, processing, understanding, and problem-solving skills to do jigsaws, all of which are cognitive processes. When I am in placement, I can now plan to give these types of puzzles to children when I notice they need some help with thinking skills.
Milly Taylor
Childcare student.
I have really liked everything about the allotment project. You get to grow and make things and I have learnt a lot. I will be doing more planting at home from now on.
Work experience
To help you build your skills and gain practical experience working with children, you’ll take part in placements in a range of childcare settings during your studies with us at North Hertfordshire College. You’ll also participate in projects within the College and the community that will further develop your understanding of the industry.
North Hertfordshire College’s Stevenage campus is proud to be the home of the NHC Community Allotment project, an exciting outdoor space where you can develop your gardening skills as well as learn how to introduce outdoor learning to your future career in childcare. We regularly work with local primary schools as part of the NHC Community Allotment project, providing local primary school children with the opportunity to learn about gardening as well as an opportunity for you to gain further experience in working with children in unconventional environments.
What’s been happening in Child Development Studies?
Looking for courses for adult learners?
North Hertfordshire College is proud to offer a range of professional and leisure courses to adults in the local community.
Whether you’re looking to change career, improve your skills, or pick up a new hobby and make new friends, NHC has a course for you.