Alternative Education

 Supporting Young People to Build Skills, Confidence and Careers in Childcare

At Education and Skills Training & Development, we provide a tailored Childcare Alternative Provision programme designed to support 16–18-year-old learners who may benefit from an alternative pathway alongside their GCSE English and maths resit programme.

Following the successful introduction of our provision within a school in Derby, we have developed a highly effective model that supports small groups of learners to achieve an NCFE CACHE Level 1 or Level 2 Childcare qualification while gaining valuable practical experience within the childcare sector.

Our programme has achieved excellent learner outcomes, with extremely positive feedback from the school’s Head Teacher. Due to the success of the provision, we now deliver this programme on an ongoing basis and are excited to extend this opportunity to schools across your area.

Our Childcare Alternative Provision is delivered directly within your school, working alongside students’ existing GCSE English and maths resit timetable. This ensures learners continue to develop their essential skills while gaining a recognised childcare qualification and exploring a rewarding career pathway.

Learners attend two days per week of tutor-led classroom delivery, where they develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work within the early years and childcare sector. Alongside their classroom learning, learners will complete a work experience placement with a childcare employer, allowing them to apply their learning in a real working environment.

The ultimate aim is to support learners in progressing onto a Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship with their chosen employer, creating a clear and achievable route into employment.

• Delivered within the school setting
• Two days per week of tutor-led classroom learning
• NCFE CACHE Level 1 and Level 2 Childcare qualifications
• Practical work experience placement with a childcare employer
• Small group delivery (up to 10 learners per group)
• Individual learner progress tracking through OneFile
• A structured pathway towards a Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship

Through the successful delivery of our Childcare Alternative Provision, we aim to provide young people with the confidence, skills and opportunities they need to progress beyond school.

The programme supports schools in:

• Raising learner aspirations and confidence
• Improving engagement and attendance
• Developing communication and language skills
• Providing meaningful career options and progression pathways
• Developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a Childcare Practitioner
• Supporting continued engagement in education, including GCSE English and maths resits delivered by the school
• Reducing the number of young people becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)

Throughout the programme, we work closely with learners to prepare them for their future beyond school. Our dedicated team provides guidance and support to help learners identify their career goals, develop workplace skills and secure their next steps.

For many learners, this will include progressing onto a Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship with a suitable employer. For others, the programme provides the confidence and qualifications needed to progress into further education, employment or training.

By providing an engaging, practical and career-focused learning experience, our Childcare Alternative Provision gives young people the opportunity to discover their potential and build a successful future within the childcare sector.