Early Years
Many of the Early Years courses at ACL are part of the Poppins Bursary. This offers development opportunities and training for those currently working or looking to enter the early years sector. It supports training initiatives for early years settings, with the goal of enhancing the range and quality of services offered in our communities.
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Flexible Online Courses
Having trouble enrolling or wish to discuss further? We’re here to help! Send us a message or give us a call on 0345 603 7635.
Level 2 and 3 Certificate
Diabetes Care and Management
Gain confidence in identifying, supporting and managing diabetes in young children, promoting early intervention and healthy lifestyles.
Level 2 Certificate
Nutrition and Health
Build your knowledge of child nutrition, meal planning and the impact of diet on development and lifelong health.
Level 2 Certificate
Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties
Support children with learning difficulties with compassion, understanding their needs and how to adapt learning approaches.
Level 2 and 3 Certificate
Understanding Autism
Gain insight into supporting young children with autism, with a focus on communication, transitions, and positive engagement.
Level 2 Certificate
Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
Explore why behaviours arise and learn effective strategies to manage challenging behaviours with empathy and structure.
Level 2 Certificate
Understanding Domestic Abuse
Learn how domestic abuse affects children and families, and how to provide support and appropriate responses in a childcare context.
Coming Soon
Register Interest
Register your interest for upcoming courses, including: Equality and Diversity, Introduction to Neuroscience in Early Years, LGBTQIA+ Inclusion in the Workplace, Mental Health in the Early Years, Special Educational Needs (SEN), Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences, Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health, Common Childhood Illnesses, Safeguarding and Prevent and Menopause in the Workplace
Work Based Learning
Having trouble enrolling or wish to discuss further? We’re here to help! Send us a message or give us a call on 0345 603 7635.
Level 2 Diploma
Playwork
Learn how to create rich, engaging play experiences that support children’s development outside formal education settings.
Level 2 Diploma
Early Years Practitioner
Build strong foundations in child development, safeguarding, and early education to deliver high-quality care for young children.
Level 3 Diploma
Working in the Early Years Sector
Develop the knowledge and confidence to lead learning in early years settings and work independently with children from birth to age 5.
Level 4 Certificate
Early Years Advanced Practitioner
Develop your skills in leadership, mentoring and reflective practice, ready to take on more responsibility and drive quality in early years provision.
Level 5 Diploma
Early Years Senior Practitioner
Gain advanced knowledge in curriculum leadership, safeguarding, multi-agency working, and leading practice improvement.
Apprenticeships
Having trouble enrolling or wish to discuss further? We’re here to help! Send us a message or give us a call on 0345 603 7635.
Level 2 Apprenticeship
Early Years Practitioner
Gain the core skills to support children’s early learning and development in safe, stimulating environments as you begin your career in childcare.
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Early Years Educator
Take your early years skills to the next level by planning and leading purposeful learning activities that promote every child’s progress and wellbeing.
Level 5 Apprenticeship
Early Years Lead Practitioner (Coming Soon)
Become a specialist leader in early education. Drive quality improvement, mentor colleagues, and champion best practice in your setting.
Development Pathways
Having trouble enrolling or wish to discuss further? We’re here to help! Send us a message or give us a call on 0345 603 7635.
Development Pathway
SEND Specialist
Supporting the diverse educational needs of children requires a well-equipped and knowledgeable workforce. Our SEND Specialist Development Pathway empowers current employees to specialise in working with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Participants can choose from a wide range of SEND-related courses tailored to their interests and career goals. Some examples of available qualifications include: Level 2 Certificate In Introduction To Neuroscience In Early Years, Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism, Level 3 Diploma in Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Development Pathway
Management
The Management Development Pathway is designed for individuals currently working in the Early Years sector or those looking to re-enter the field. Participants will start with the Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Team Leading and then move on to the Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Leadership and Management. The programme is expected to last up to 15 months.
Development Pathway
Train the Trainer programme
A chance for current employees to acquire a level 3 training certification, enabling them to conduct in-house training on crucial skills such as customised training for the workplace, Health & Safety, and Equality & Diversity. Each individual who successfully completes the training will receive a £150 bonus.
Development Pathway
Gateway to Childcare
Introducing the Gateway to Childcare programme! This exciting initiative aims to spark interest among adults and give them a glimpse into the wonderful world of early years. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a level 1 qualification in early years alongside other valuable sessions that showcase all the different aspects of an early years career.
Childminding
Having trouble enrolling or wish to discuss further? We’re here to help! Send us a message or give us a call on 0345 603 7635.
Development Pathway
Gateway to Childminding
Starting your journey as a registered childminder can involve setup costs of around £1,000. To register, you’ll need to complete several required steps, including: A Paediatric First Aid Certificate, a DBS check and a Food Safety and Hygiene Course. You also have the option to complete the Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home-Based Childcare, which is recommended but not mandatory. To help with these initial expenses, Poppins may offer a grant of up to £1,000 to cover your upfront registration costs. To qualify, you’ll need to apply and meet the low-income threshold.
Development Pathway
Skills Bootcamps (Childminding)
Skills Bootcamps are free, flexible courses of up to 12 weeks that provide you with the opportunity to build valuable sector specific skills. What’s more, you’ll be offered a job interview with an employer once you complete the course and gain your qualification.
Partnerships
Partnership
Talk Listen and Cuddle
TLC is an Essex campaign that looks to help parents, carers and families of young children support their children’s communication development and learn how to help their children gain the best start in life through playful learning at home.
They regularly post a range of ideas, top tips and games to support children’s language, physical and emotional development on their website. Their aim is to ensure children start school ready to explore, learn and make friends.
Partnership
Essex County Council Foster Caring
Becoming a foster carer is your opportunity to change a child’s life. Looked after children need kind, patient foster carers to help them heal and reach their full potential. Join hundreds of families and start fostering with Essex County Council.
New foster carers who join in 2025 will receive a £2000 welcome bonus.