Begin Your Career in Childcare with Little Rays
Little Rays Nursery is delighted to be supporting the Early Learning and Childcare Academy at South Eastern Regional College, offering an exciting pathway for anyone interested in beginning a rewarding career within the childcare sector.
The Academy is an intensive eight-week training programme designed to provide participants with the practical experience, knowledge and skills needed to work in an early years setting. Training will be delivered mainly in person at SERC’s Lisburn Campus, alongside online learning and supported visits to childcare settings.
Participants will complete accredited training in Paediatric First Aid and Basic Food Hygiene, while also developing their knowledge of child development, Special Educational Needs and inclusion, storytelling, play facilitation and observation techniques. Supervised experience with children will allow participants to put their learning into practice within a real childcare environment.
Those taking part will receive a weekly training allowance of £185, with additional help towards travel and childcare costs available to eligible participants. Anyone who successfully completes the Academy will be guaranteed a job interview with one of the supporting childcare providers, although successful completion and interview do not guarantee employment.
No minimum qualifications are required to apply, although preference may be given to applicants with Level 1 or higher English and Maths. Applicants must be aged 18 or over and have the right to work and undertake training in the UK. These positions are not eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
Training will run from Monday 21 September until Friday 20 November 2026, from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Monday to Friday. Applicants must be available for the full training period.
Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 21 August 2026. There are only 16 training places available, so early application is encouraged.
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