If you’re considering a career working with young children in nurseries or early years settings, you’ve probably come across the option of studying for an Early Years Diploma at your local college.

An in-person diploma remains one of the most popular routes for those wanting a recognised qualification—and a practical, classroom-based approach to learning.

But what is college life really like?

What can you expect from the teaching, the timetable, the workload, and the work experience?

And how does this route compare to studying online or learning on the job?

In this article, we break down exactly what to expect from an in-person Early Years Diploma at college—so you can decide if it’s the right path for you.

📚 What Is an Early Years Diploma?

An Early Years Diploma is a recognised qualification designed to prepare you for a career working with children from birth to five years old.

The most common options in England are:

• Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner: Suitable for beginners, usually studied over one year.
• Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator): For those seeking a full, “qualified practitioner” status, usually studied over two years.

Colleges offer these diplomas as full-time courses, with part-time options in some cases.

These are regulated qualifications listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) , which means they are accepted by Ofsted-registered nurseries and employers.

👩‍🏫 Who Is an In-Person Diploma Best Suited To?

Studying at college is an ideal choice if you:

• Prefer face-to-face teaching and classroom learning.
• Want regular support and interaction with tutors and classmates.
• Feel comfortable attending a college campus, often several days per week.
• Value a structured timetable and a clear study routine.
• May be a school leaver, but many colleges now welcome mature students, parents returning to work, and those looking for a career change.

If you need the flexibility to study around work or family life, you may wish to explore online or work-based routes.

For many, college provides a supportive, immersive environment to learn and grow.

🗓️ How College Delivery Works (Attendance, Timetable, Environment)

In-person diplomas typically involve attending college for around 2–4 days a week during term time.

You’ll follow a set timetable, with classes in early years theory, child development, safeguarding, play, and more.

Expect a mixture of classroom-based lessons, group activities, workshops, and practical demonstrations.

You’ll have access to college facilities—such as libraries, study zones, and sometimes even on-site nurseries.

Tutors are available for academic help.

Many colleges offer extra support for mature students or those with additional needs.

🎓 Typical Course Content & Learning Activities

You’ll cover a wide range of topics relevant to working with young children, such as:

• Child development and milestones.
• Health, safety, and safeguarding.
• Planning and delivering play activities.
• Working in partnership with parents and colleagues.
• Supporting children with special educational needs.
• Observation and assessment skills.

Learning isn’t just about lectures.

There will be group discussions, case studies, role plays, practical workshops, and opportunities to develop your confidence working with children.

🏫 Placement & Work Experience Requirements

A key part of the in-person Early Years Diploma is hands-on experience in a real childcare setting.

You’ll need to complete a work placement, which is arranged either by your college or, sometimes, found by you locally.

Here’s what to expect:

• Level 2 Diploma: Around 250 hours of placement, usually one or two days per week throughout the year.
• Level 3 Diploma: Around 350–750 hours of placement, spread over the duration of your course.

Placements are typically in nurseries, preschools, or reception classes.

This gives you practical experience to apply what you learn in college.

📝 Assessment and Exams: What to Expect

Assessment for an in-person Early Years Diploma is ongoing throughout the course.

You won’t just be sitting final exams at the end.

Most of your assessment will be through coursework, practical observations, and written assignments.

You might be asked to complete projects, create activity plans, keep reflective journals, and demonstrate your skills in your placement setting.

Your tutors and placement supervisors will observe you working with children to make sure you can apply what you’ve learned.

There may be some short tests or quizzes, but these are usually to check your understanding rather than as formal exams.

Feedback is regular and designed to help you improve as you progress.

You’ll know exactly what is expected of you at each stage.

✅ Pros and Cons of Studying In-Person at College

There are lots of benefits to studying in person at college.

• You get face-to-face support from tutors and classmates.
• You build confidence by working with others in a classroom setting.
• You can use the college’s facilities and resources.
• You get structured routine and a clear timetable.
• It can be a great way to make friends and build your professional network.

However, there are some things to consider.

• You need to be able to attend college regularly, which may not suit everyone.
• The timetable is usually fixed and may not fit around work or family life.
• Travel to and from college can add time and cost.
• Some people find full-time study challenging if they have other commitments.

It’s important to weigh up what will work best for your situation.

💻 How Does This Route Compare to Online or Work-Based Diplomas?

An in-person college diploma offers more structure and routine compared to online courses.

You benefit from live teaching and immediate feedback.

Online or distance learning courses are often more flexible and can fit around work or family life.

With distance learning, you can often study at your own pace. This means that if you have more time to dedicate, you may be able to complete your qualification more quickly—and access employment sooner.

You can view our available distance learning Child Care courses here .

Work-based diplomas let you earn while you learn, gaining practical experience as an employee from day one.

Each route has different demands, so it’s important to think about your lifestyle, commitments, and preferred way of learning.

Some students combine options, starting with college and moving on to workplace learning, or vice versa.

All recognised Early Years Diplomas must meet the same standards, but the experience and day-to-day study will feel different.

👉 Next Steps: Is This Path Right for You?

If you enjoy learning in a classroom and want face-to-face support, college could be a great choice.

If you need flexibility or want to combine study with work or family, explore online or work-based routes.

Think about your goals, your schedule, and your preferred learning style.

Speak to your local college or a careers adviser if you’re unsure.

Remember, whichever path you choose, there are recognised qualifications available that will help you work in Early Years.

🔗 Related Articles & Further Reading

• Do Nurseries Offer On-the-Job Early Years Training?
• How Do Early Years Apprenticeships Work—and Where Can You Find One?
• What Qualifications Do You Need to Work in a Nursery or Early Years Setting in England?
• Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) – gov.uk

📞 Book Your Free Early Years Roadmap Call

If you’d like personal advice on your options, you can book a free Early Years Roadmap Call with one of our expert advisers.

Book Your Roadmap Call