Build a foundation for your future with an Education and Early Years course.
Choosing to work with children is choosing to help shape the future and make a lasting impact on society.
If you’re passionate about making a real difference in young people’s lives, helping them grow and setting the foundation for their success, then this is the path for you.
As an Early Years student at EKC Sheppey College, you’ll take part in a range of exciting opportunities working with children.
From storytime sessions with local nurseries, to custom activity days with a local school, you’ll develop skills, refine your workshops, and showcase your experience in professional settings.
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 in nurseries and schools.
You will gain practical experience in our training nursery, with access to specialist equipment, to give you an understanding of how real childcare centres work.
This space will help you to learn how to create a safe and stimulating environment that supports children mentally, emotionally and physically.
You will take part in social action projects throughout the year.
Students lead of a variety of fundraising and volunteering projects as a way to give back to the local community.
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:
You’ll also take part in many unique events and activities during the year to build and enhance your childcare knowledge.
“You get lots of experiences throughout the course. One thing I’ve particularly enjoyed is looking in detail at safeguarding.
“This new knowledge has helped to support me in a job I’ve now got in a local nursery.”
Our Early Years students take charge of the classroom during ‘Takeover Days’ at Queenborough Primary School.
Over two action-packed days, they planned, created and led activities for the children.
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.
If you’re thinking about a future in childcare or education, you can develop the skills, experience and confidence you need to succeed with us.
Our Early Years courses prepare you for real-world settings while also helping you discover your strengths.
Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.
You can make up to five applications across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.
Click ‘Apply’ on your chosen course, and follow the steps on the application portal.
Early applications are strongly recommended, as they give you the best chance of securing a place on your chosen course.
Come along to EKC Sheppey College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see if the course is right for you.
If you receive an offer, this must be accepted to secure your place on your chosen course.
“I have enjoyed my time at College and I now feel ready to get a full-time job. I definitely want to work with children, I enjoy working with the really little ones.
“During my College work placement, I worked at a nursery and learnt many new skills, such as communicating with the children and planning activities for them.”
“College has changed everything for me. The course has given me so much confidence. I’ve gone from barely speaking to being able to take charge and communicate clearly.
“When we came to my first parents’ evening, and my mum was in tears because of how well I’d done. It was such a big moment.”
“At College there’s a lot more freedom. I can make my own choices and I feel more trusted. The lecturers treat you like an adult, which I really like.
“The support is great. If we don’t understand something, the lecturers give us extra time and even do one-on-one sessions to help us understand.”
