If you’re thinking about a future in childcare or education, you can develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to succeed at EKC Sheppey College.
Whether you’re aged 16 to19 and exploring your options, or an adult looking to upskill, our Early Years courses prepare you for real-world settings while helping you discover your strengths.
Here’s how students grow their skills at Sheppey:
1. Working directly with local children
Practical experience is at the heart of our Early Years courses. You’ll work in nurseries, schools, and other childcare settings across the Isle of Sheppey and Swale under the guidance of industry professionals.
Placements enable you to apply theory to real situations, develop leadership and teamwork skills, and gain insight into professional childcare environments. All of this prepares you for your future role in the sector.
2. Leading workshops and activities
You’ll have the chance to lead workshops both at local schools and within the College.
During ‘Takeover Days’ at local schools including Queenborough Primary, students plan and deliver activities for school children, learning how to engage different age groups and apply educational techniques.
You can also run sessions like arts and crafts, helping you to build your confidence, communication, and organisation skills in the workplace.
3. Engaging with the community
Community projects help you use your skills in meaningful ways.
For example, previous students have supported fundraising events such as our College Catwalk show at the Criterion Centre in Bluetown, assisting audiences, managing activities, and ensuring events run smoothly. These experiences develop transferable skills such as organisation, responsibility, and adaptability.
4. Exploring dynamic play
Creative and sensory play is an essential part of Early Years education.
Using puppets, paint, and a variety of materials, our students design and lead engaging play sessions both during placements and College activities. You’ll refine your observation, attention to detail, and planning skills while discovering what works best for children of different ages.
5. Learning from professionals
Observing and working alongside experienced educators gives you insight into best practice and real-world challenges.
No matter where you are with your studies, you’ll see how professional Early Years staff plan, manage, and adapt activities. Learning directly from professionals helps you build confidence, understand workplace expectations, and develop the skills you’ll need to thrive in your own career.
If you’re interested in these unique experiences and growing your childcare skills, there’s no better place for you than our Early Years courses.
Open for all ages above 16, why not explore our Early Years courses online and apply today, or discover more at an Open Day?
More articles
Why we chose Uniformed Public Services, and why you should too!
Everything you need to know about T Levels at EKC Sheppey College
