Studying and working in childcare is an exciting and rewarding career. Our teachers will share their vocational experiences with you while you learn. We also provide the opportunity for work placements, which are a chance to discover what it's like to work in your chosen area, leaving you confident about launching your career.
I took a Childcare Level 1 and progressed to Level 2. My tutor has been really supportive and I love being a student at Merton. Florence Garrett, Childcare Student
Childcare & Early Years student
Karima said: "I started at Merton College in 2019, taking the Award in Preparing to Work in Schools Level 1. My tutor Debra was very supportive and also encouraged me to study the Caring for Children Award Level 1, so I could learn more about what type of career I wanted to work in.
These courses gave me the confidence and social skills to progress ,so after completing them both, I started the Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (NCFE). I loved my placement and planning activities with the children. I gained lots of new friends from my placement and from being at the college.
In September 2021, I began studying the Early Years Workforces (EYE) Diploma Level 3. I worked in another Early Years placement, which I really enjoyed. I also had the opportunity to take some distance learning courses which helped me with my childcare course, including Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour That Challenges and Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Common Childhood Illnesses. I enjoyed the flexibility of these courses and that they can be completed around my college placement and family commitments."
Hospitality Supervision & Leadership - Level 3 Diploma
Jerome says: "I chose to study at Merton College because it has excellent facilities for my Hospitality & Catering course. The College is very welcoming and my tutors are very supportive. As part of my course, I deliver a service to customers that visit the Taste Restaurant and I really enjoy interacting with them. We regularly host events and I like working as a team to co-ordinate these events. For example, we are often visited by members of the local community who come to the restaurant for lunch."
Once Jerome has completed his Diploma, he intends to study a Higher Level Apprenticeship in Hospitality and work for a major restaurant chain. His ultimate goal is to own a chain of restaurants one day.
