If you want to study on a practical course that will enable you to progress to university or go straight into work, this will give you the skills needed to become a competent and effective Early Years Practitioner. It will also give you the academic training and qualifications needed to start a career in teaching, social work and other related subject areas at university.
Early Years staff are all experienced Early Years professionals who have worked in the sector and have a vast amount of experience. They will give you a thorough understanding of the subject area and provide you with innovative, exciting opportunities to put that understanding into practice in work placement.
Theme 1
All aspects of child development; pre-conception to age 7
Theme 3
Play, development and learning for school readiness
Theme 2
Legislation and professional practice including equal opportunities, health and wellbeing and safeguarding
Theme 4
Professional development and the practitioner’s role
In 2018, three of our students have acquired places at Brighton University to follow degrees in Teacher Training, two students (one male and one female) achieving places at the prestigious Norland College in Bath to further their training in child care, as well as many others securing employment in the child care sector and health sector.
Last year, 95% of our students had secured work in nurseries and schools or been accepted to study a range of subjects at university before their course had even been completed.
A further ex-student is now in her final year as a Norland Nanny, another has graduated from Sussex University and is now studying for a MA in International Education and Development. One has opened her own nursery in West Sussex, while others are studying Primary Teaching at university.
Katie Thomas
Studied at Varndean College: CACHE Diploma in Childcare and Education (2013-2015)
Progression: BA in Early Years Development and Learning, Norland College, Bath
Upon leaving Varndean, Katie gained a place at the prestigious Norland College in Bath and went on to gain a BA (Hons) in Early Years Development and Learning which is unique to Norland College. The three year course combined undergraduate degree level study with practical sessions and experience with children, enabling her to put theory into practice. Running alongside the degree, and for one year after leaving, you also work towards gaining the prestigious 'Norland Diploma' - otherwise known as the 'Norland Nanny' status.
At the end of of her three year's training at Norland College, Katie was proud to be awarded 'The Principal's Award' and is now currently completing her Newly Qualified Nanny (NQN) year, being just 6 months away from gaining her Norland Nanny status! She is currently working in London with a family with two young boys and hopes to stay on in this position after she qualifies. Although one day she would eventually love to take over her mother's nursery!
Katie says: "I really enjoyed my time at Varndean and loved the course as it was very practical. It was an ideal stepping stone allowing me to follow my dreams of becoming a fully qualified Norland Nanny."