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Education and Early Years

Choosing to work with children means making a real difference in their lives.

If you want to help young people grow and succeed, our courses will give you the skills and experience to do just that. 

Expand your childcare knowledge

On our courses, you will gain an insight into a variety of aspects relating to the early years curriculum and caring for children from birth to seven years of age.

Build upon your knowledge and theory within College with our qualified lecturers who have prior industry experience, before taking what you’ve learnt into the real world and applying practical skills within the workplace.

This will help set you up for further study or a career in the industry.

Take part in unique experiences

You will benefit from structured work placements, which are an integral part of your qualification.

Extensive links with local employers provides access to placement opportunities and real-life training.

Some of the educational establishments we’ve work with include:

  • Queenborough School and Nursery
  • Rising Stars Nursery
  • Seashells Nursery

You’ll also take part in many unique events and activities during the year to build and enhance your childcare knowledge.

Early Years take over Queenborough Primary School

1 October 2024
Early Years learners took charge of the classroom during recent ‘Takeover Days’ at Queenborough Primary School.  

Learn from the professionals

Katie Chambers is one of our Early Years Lecturers.

She uses her wealth of experience in childcare and education settings to inspire the next generation of Early Years professionals.

We spoke to her about her background, what she loves about College, and what inspired her to become a Lecturer.

How you apply for a course at EKC Sheppey College

Step 1 – Find a subject you’re interested in

Explore our range of subject areas on our website and find a course that interests you.

Step 2 – Apply

Click ‘Apply’ and then follow the steps on the Kent Choices application portal.

Step 3 – Come to an Applicant Day

Come along to an Applicant Day in College, where you’ll discover what studying is like and if the course is right for you.

Career prospects

Example:
Nursery Education Teaching Professional
£
£30,680
Annual pay
Annual pay is per year, based on full-time employment and on the South East region.
Role description
Nursery education teaching professionals care for and teach children up to the age of entry into primary school.
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I applied for this course as I knew I wanted to make a serious career out of Education, but I wasn’t sure, as an adult, how I would get there. I am now so much more confident and I’ve learned so much.”

Joanne
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner

We’re part of six community-based colleges

Our mission is to play a leading role for East Kent in developing the economic and social prosperity of the diverse communities we serve.