Early Learning and Childcare Academy at South Eastern Regional College

Training

The Early Learning and Childcare Academy is an intensive eight-week training course at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) providing tailored theoretical and practical knowledge and real-world experience required to work in the Childcare sector. 

Delivery will mainly be in-person, supported through e-learning resource and facilitated visits to childcare settings. 

Those taking part in the academy should gain accredited training modules in: 

• pediatric first aid
• basic food hygiene

Those taking part in the academy will also study content in:

• Special Educational Needs and 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.

Training allowance

Those taking part in the academy will receive a weekly training allowance of £185 for the length of the academy, as well as help with travelling and childcare expenses where people qualify.

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

However, an interview is not a guarantee of a job and 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
• 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

There are no minimum level of qualifications required to apply for the Academy, but preference will be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths (equivalent to GCSE D-G).

How to apply

Apply online at:

•  SERC Early Learning and Childcare Academy application

Closing date

Completed applications must be received by noon (UK time) on 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 in the week beginning Tuesday 1 September 2026.

Training dates

Training will take place from Monday 21 September to Friday 20 November 2026 at SERC's Lisburn campus.

Training takes place from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm from 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.

Help to apply

If you have a disability and need help to complete this form:

• email Assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk 

or

• telephone 028 9041 6972

All correspondence with applicants will be through email. It is the applicant’s responsibility to act on this within the given time frame.

Further information

For more information on this academy or to receive updates on new academy opportunities as they arise, email your enquiry to assuredskills@economy-ni.gov.uk.

Privacy notice

To find out how your information will be managed, you can view the privacy notice for Assured Skills.