There are few things more rewarding than watching a child blossom because of your actions. Whether you’re helping them to take their very first steps, watching them master their ABCs, or supporting them to tackle their fears, every development is a sign of a job well done.
You’ll have a lot of responsibility and you may find yourself with aching feet and hair full of glitter by the end of the day, but if you want job satisfaction, a career in education and early years could be just what you’re looking for. To succeed, you’ll need to be compassionate, patient and nurturing.
You’ll also need to genuinely enjoy working with children and encouraging them to try new things. The other skills and knowledge you’ll need, we can teach you. You’ll learn how to recognise what each individual child requires to thrive and how to keep children safe, healthy and happy.
Our tutors have extensive experience, both out in the sector and of teaching students. They also have valuable links to employers, so they can help you to gain a greater insight into different careers and decide which path is right for you. The best way to learn is to practise, so you’ll gain vital practical experience, whether it’s in a private childcare facility, early years provision or in a primary school.
In short, The Manchester College can help you to strengthen your innate talents and abilities, leaving you ready to embark on a successful, fulfilling career.
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It starts with you!
Get career ready with us and unlock your potential today, view our range of Education and Early Years courses and enrol to study at the No.1 Further Education College in Greater Manchester for achievement*.
Our Education and Early Years Courses
If you have the passion, we can help you to gain the skills you need for a successful career working with children and young people.
If you’re 16-18 and you've obtained the entry requirements, you’ll have the opportunity to join our Industry Excellence Academy for Education and Early Years and could study our brand new T Level in Education and Early Years. This new two-year qualification is worth the equivalent of three A Levels and has been co-developed with industry partners to allow you to benefit from a 59 day industry placement and much more.
If you’d like to progress onto our T Level but don’t currently have the entry requirements then you’ll be able to do this by first choosing to study our Level 2 T Level Transition programme Education and Early Years.
Alternatively, through our Centre of Excellence for Education and Early Years we offer childcare courses for all abilities - from Level 1 to Level 3 - to help you reach your ultimate goal in childcare.
By studying Education and Early Years with us, you’ll not just develop the knowledge and skills required for a successful career. You’ll also gain vital practical experience, whether it’s in a private childcare facility, a primary school or a nursery.
Our Tutors
Our Education and Early Years tutors have extensive experience, both out in the sector and of teaching students. They also have valuable links to employers, so can help you to gain a greater insight into different careers and to decide which path is right for you.
Emma Rutter - Head of Department
Emma joined the College as a nursery officer in our on-site nurseries back in 1999. She then moved to the teaching side in 2004, and progressed into the management team in 2013. Emma also does a lot of charity work. She used to be the safeguarding co-ordinator for a charitable organisation, and has been a lead volunteer for a youth organisation for the last 21 years.
Angela Mahon - Department Team Leader
Angela joined the College in 2014 as a Tutor and First Aid Trainer for the Education and Early Years Department and became Department Team Leader in 2014. Angela has a wealth of experience in early years settings across England, as both a practitioner and a manager.
Nicola Dillon - Tutor
Nicola started at the College in 2018. She has more than 20 years’ experience working in a range of different early years settings, educational establishments and out in local communities. Prior to becoming a tutor, Nicola was a children’s centre district lead, which saw her managing a number of centres, and working with families and children under five years old.
Gillian Taylor - Tutor
Gillian joined the college in 1997 as a tutor/assessor. Prior to becoming a tutor, she has many years experience working in a range of different settings as a teaching assistant and early years practitioner and as an assistant manager.
Our Location
Our Education and Early Years courses for 16-18 are offered our Openshaw, Harpurhey and Wythenshawe Campuses and for 19+ at our Harpurhey and Wythenshawe Campuses - all of which are well served by public transport.
Our Industry Excellence Academy for Education and Early Years is based at our newly re-developed Openshaw campus, where you’ll learn in a state-of-the-art, fully-functioning teaching and training nursery space and baby room, providing you with all the practical experience you will need to succeed.
Do you have an EHCP or SEND need?
The Manchester College is committed to ensuring all our students receive the support they may need to achieve and enjoy college. We do this in a number of different ways including:
- Student Experience Support Team
- Careers Employability & Welfare
- Pastoral Support Officers
- Supported Learning
We also offer a bespoke transition service to new applicants with an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), accessibility or medical need.
Find out more about our student support offer:
Student supportFind out more
Find out even more about our Education and Early Years department in our subject area guide or on our YouTube playlist:
19+ adult courses starting in 2024/25
Start something new with our Adult Education courses for 19+ starting in 2024/25!
Browse our wide range of courses and apply now.
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Interested in Apprenticeships or Higher Education?
Take a look at what our education partners offer
Top Careers Opportunities
Playworkers
Average Salary £18,200
Primary and nursery education teaching professionals
Average Salary £40,560
Teaching assistants
Average Salary £16,227
Taylor-Kay Folks • Level 3 Childhood Studies and EducationI have gained confidence and identified my skills and best abilities. My tutors have helped me with so much, from my career research and assignments, to work placement support. They’ve helped us to see all the possibilities of what we can do when we leave.
Hanan Omar • Level 3 Childhood Studies and EducationAs the class size is small, my tutors are able to give me extra support. They encourage us to get our work in on time and ensure it is completed to a high standard by giving us advice on how to improve it. I would recommend The Manchester College, I’m so proud of what I have achieved here.
In one of The Manchester College’s 19 Centres of Excellence you’ll develop the skills and gain the qualifications that you need to take the next steps towards your dream career.
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In our unique Industry Excellence Academy you’ll benefit from a programme of study that has been co-developed, and is co-delivered, with one of our industry partners.
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