Early Learning and Childcare Academy

Early Learning and Childcare Academy If youre interested in a career in Early Learning and Childcare, 16 training opportunities are currently available. If you successfully finish the academy, you will have industry recognised qualifications, supervised childcare experience and be considered for a potential job role with one of the supporting companies. Training The Early Learning and Childcare Academy is an intensive 8-week training course providing tailored theoretical and practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the Childcare sector.

Delivery will primarily be in-person, supported through e-learning resource and facilitated visits to childcare settings. Those selected for the Academy should gain accredited training modules in:
Pediatric first aid Basic food hygiene And study content in: SEN & Inclusion Storytelling Child Development The academy training will develop sector relevant skills including play facilitation and observation techniques. Supervised engagement with children will allow participants to apply their learning in real-world settings. Participants will receive a weekly training allowance of £185 for the duration of the academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare expenses where people qualify.

If you successfully complete the academy, you will be guaranteed a job interview with a supporting company.

An interview is not a guarantee of a job. Offers of employment will be solely at the discretion of the companies following the interview. The job roles available are not eligible for skilled worker sponsorship. Who can apply? Applicants must: be at least 18 years old and have a right to work and to undertake Assured Skills Training in the UK at the point of application not be disqualified from doing either by reason of their immigration status Whilst there are no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Academy, preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G).

How to apply

Apply onlineat:

SERC Early Learning and Childcare Academy Applications Closing Date Completed applications must be received bynoonon Friday 21 August 2026. Key dates Information session and Interview dates SERC will invite eligible applicants to attend an Information session and interview that will take place week commencing Tuesday 1 September 2026. Training dates Training will take place from Monday
21 September until Friday 20 November 2026 at SERC Lisburncampus. Training takes place from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Monday to Friday on campus. Successful applicants must be available for the whole of the training period. Company Information The supporting companies participating in the Academy are:
Sleepy Hollow Group
- Holywood and Bangor Footprints Women's Centre, Dunmurry ikids Day Nursery, Newtownards Down Royal Daycare, Lisburn Little Explorers, Hillsborough Little Ones, Downpatrick Little Rays Nursery
- Lisburn and Moira Over the Hedge, Holywood Clear Day Nurseries
- Belfast, Dundonald, Glengormley, Bangor, Lurgan and Portadown Living outside Northern Ireland If you live outside Northern Ireland, by accepting an offer of a place on this pre-employment training academy, you are committing to attending training and pursuing a job opportunity in Northern Ireland. Applications are welcome from everyone who meets the essential criteria and are particularly welcome from people returning to work after caring for their children or other family members.