Education and Early Years at The Manchester College

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.

3 reasons to study Education and Early Years with us

Meaningful placements

Gain substantial experience in nurseries, primary schools and childcare settings

Real settings

Train in realistic nursery and classroom environments across our campuses

Industry specialists

Learn from tutors with experience in safeguarding, SEND and early childhood development

Available courses

Image of a early years nursery practitioner looking after a group of children

Caring for Children

Education and Early Years

Level 1

Caring for Children

Education and Early Years

Level 1

Supporting Teaching and Learning

Education and Early Years

Level 2

T Level - Education and Early Years (Assisting Teaching)

Education and Early Years

Level 3

T Level Education and Early Years (Early Years Educator)

Education and Early Years

Level 3

Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner

Education and Early Years

Level 2

Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner

Education and Early Years

Level 2

Technical Occupational Entry in Supporting Teaching and Learning

Education and Early Years

Level 3

Where you'll learn

If you have a passion for supporting children and making a difference in their early learning, our Education and Early Years courses are a great place to start.

When you enrol on one of our Education and Early Years courses at our Openshaw, Harpurhey or Wythenshawe campuses, you’ll gain hands‑on experience through placements, build practical skills in a supportive environment and learn from expert tutors.

Our facilities include:

Industry‑standard mock nursery, early years setting and fully equipped baby room
State‑of‑the‑art sensory room
Modern teaching spaces designed to support practical early years training
Specialist resources that simulate real childcare and learning environments.

A fully equipped early years training kitchen featuring child‑sized tables and chairs, modern appliances, storage cabinets, and learning resources used for practical childcare and education sessions.

A colourful early years classroom featuring activity stations, a reading corner, play tables, educational wall displays, and a wide range of learning resources designed for young children.

A classroom featuring collaborative tables, chairs, colourful wall displays, storage shelves with learning resources, and a large interactive screen.

A colourful early years classroom with play tables, learning resources and activity stations.

Where a career in Education and Early Years can take you

Early years teacher

Average Salary £29,619

Teaching assistants

Average Salary £26,489

Childminder

Average Salary £20,782

I 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.

Taylor-Kay Folks • Level 3 Childhood Studies and Education

As 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.

Hanan Omar • Level 3 Childhood Studies and Education

More about Education and Early Years

About our 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.

You can study courses from Level 1 to Level 3, including T Levels.

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.

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: