The Level 4 HNC in Early Years Professional Leadership is designed to prepare you for leadership roles in one of the most vital and fast-evolving sectors - early childhood education. With a strong focus on employer engagement and work readiness, this course reflects the growing demand for qualified professionals with substantial hands-on experience.

You’ll build a solid foundation in early years theory and practice while developing the leadership, communication, and organisational skills needed to guide teams and support children's development at a senior level. A key part of the programme is the mandatory work placement, which includes assessed practice - ensuring you gain meaningful, real-world experience working with children across a range of age groups.

Whether you’re looking to advance in your current role or begin a new career in early years leadership, this course gives you the practical skills and professional knowledge to thrive, and to make a lasting impact on children’s lives.

You will need: 

• A relevant Level 3 qualification, such as an Extended Diploma or three A Levels, including relevant individual subjects

You will also have an interview before enrolment, so we can ensure the course is right for you. 

Higher National Certificates are mainly assessed through coursework, practical assignments, and projects you complete during your studies. You'll be graded on a Pass, Merit, or Distinction scale, and your final qualification grade is based on how well you perform across all your units. Each unit you complete earns points, which together determine your overall result.

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Units covered can include:

• Personal and Professional Development through Reflective Practice
• Protecting Children in Early Education and Care Environments
• Play and Learning in Early Childhood
• Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Infants and Toddlers)
• Supporting and Promoting Children’s Development (Young Children)
• Promoting Healthy Living; Preparing for Research
• Promoting Inclusive Early Education and Care Environments

Adult Students (19+)

If you will be aged 19 or older on 31 August before your course starts, are resident in London, and have the legal right to stay in the UK for at least 12 months, you may be eligible to study for free, depending on your circumstances and chosen course. For more information, please click here.

You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here.

Course Fee: £4765

You may be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here for more information.