Early Years.

Get hands on, practical experience in early years with our courses that are designed to give you the skills, knowledge and experience employers want.

We understand that a qualification alone isn’t enough to succeed in today’s world. That’s why our courses are designed to give you the confidence and self-belief you need to find your purpose. And the skills, support and direction you need to make the most of your talents. It’s these things that will make a big difference in your life.

Working in early years will give you the chance to shape and nurture the lives of young people, playing a crucial role in shaping their social, emotional and cognitive skills. Guided by our expert, friendly teaching team, you’ll learn all about childcare, child development, learning and play, child safety and safeguarding and how to design fun, engaging activities.

Our practical study programmes are packed with hands on activities and learning putting you in an ideal position to secure a job or apprenticeship when you leave.

Or you could choose a T Level programme; a technical qualification that includes a 45-day placement in the world work.

 

Why study with us?

  • Train in our creche classroom which mirrors real world nursery settings.
  • Inspirational work experience that with one of our school or nursery partners that will give you a real insight into jobs in this area.
  • A passionate and friendly teaching team who keep their industry knowledge by returning to practice at least once a year. They’ll put everything they’ve got into making sure you get the most out of your time with us.

Our employer partners

Willa Rose Day Nursery Logo
Falla Park Primary Logo

Meet Rachel

Early Years teacher Rachel loves all things performing, and acts in panto, playing roles including Prince Charming, Goldilocks, one of the seven dwarfs (Doc) and one of the fairies in sleeping beauty (Fauna).

Rachel Alderson, Teacher

Rachel, Early Years Teacher
Rachel, Early Years Teacher

Meet Emma

“Being able to go on work placement 2 days per week was really fun and allowed me to get a taster for what working in early years is all about.”

Emma, Student

Emma, Early Years student
Emma, Early Years student

Meet Rachel

Early Years teacher Rachel loves all things performing, and acts in panto, playing roles including Prince Charming, Goldilocks, one of the seven dwarfs (Doc) and one of the fairies in sleeping beauty (Fauna).

Rachel Alderson, Teacher

Rachel, Early Years Teacher
Rachel, Early Years Teacher

Meet Emma

“Being able to go on work placement 2 days per week was really fun and allowed me to get a taster for what working in early years is all about.”

Emma, Student

Emma, Early Years student
Emma, Early Years student
Two womens football players laughing whilst sat on a bench Two students playing basketball

JOIN OUR SPORTS ACADEMIES

Eight specialist sport academies, all offering first class training, coaching and playing opportunities for everyone, regardless of what you study.

Find out more

Connect with our Academy socials:

Employment Edge.

We promise you a top quality education with real world skills that will help you in life as well as in work. We call this education with employment edge.

Industry first.
Course content shaped with employers so you leave with the skills they need and the know how to hit the ground running.
Confidence & Qualifications.
Together we’ll build your character as well as your skills.
Education with you, not to you.
A personalised career plan just for you, from day one.
Quality learning spaces.
Multi million pound kit and equipment matching that found in industry.

School Leaver Course Guide 2025/2026

View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.

Gateshead College School Leavers guide for 2025 - 2026