Early years education lays the foundation for children’s learning, development, communication, and wellbeing — helping them grow in confidence, curiosity, and independence from the very start. For practitioners, childminders, support staff, and educators, understanding early development is essential to providing safe, nurturing, and inclusive support that helps every child thrive.
At Care Learning, we offer free online Early Years courses designed for people working across nurseries, preschools, schools, childminding settings, and wider childcare services in the UK. Our courses cover practical topics such as Forest School, motor skills, phonics, SEND, sensory skills, and more. Each course focuses on knowledge you can use in real early years settings, supporting good practice, child development, and inclusive learning. Courses are self-paced, work on any device, and include free certificates to help you evidence learning for CPD, supervision, and inspections.
Confidence in Early Years Practice – For Everyday Learning and Development
Working in early years is not only about meeting children’s basic needs — it is about creating rich, supportive experiences that help every child feel safe, included, and ready to learn.
These courses help you:
- Understand child development and how children learn through play and experience
- Support communication, language, and early literacy skills
- Develop children’s physical confidence through movement and motor skills activities
- Create inclusive environments for children with SEND and additional needs
- Use sensory approaches to support engagement, regulation, and wellbeing
- Build confidence in outdoor learning, including Forest School approaches
- Work positively with parents, carers, and other professionals
Whether you work in nurseries, preschools, reception classes, childminding settings, wraparound care, or family support services, the learning is designed to be practical, relevant, and easy to apply.
What You’ll Learn in Our Free Early Years Courses
Course topics vary, but commonly include areas such as:
- Forest School and outdoor learning (nature-based learning, exploration, confidence, and risk awareness)
- Motor skills development (fine motor, gross motor, coordination, balance, and movement)
- Phonics and early literacy (sound recognition, early reading skills, listening, and language development)
- SEND in the early years (inclusive practice, additional needs, reasonable adjustments, and early support)
- Sensory skills and sensory play (supporting exploration, regulation, and different learning needs)
- Child development and school readiness (supporting children’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth)
- Communication and interaction (building language, listening, attention, and confidence)
- Inclusive environments and wellbeing (helping every child feel valued, supported, and able to take part)
The aim is to help you support children in ways that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to their individual needs.
Flexible Learning – Anytime, Anywhere
All early years courses are online, so you can complete them when it suits you and return to the content whenever you need a refresher. Most modules take around 60–90 minutes, making them manageable alongside work, study, and other responsibilities.
When you complete a course, you’ll receive a free certificate you can download instantly — ideal for:
- Induction and refresher training records
- CPD evidence
- Appraisals and supervision
- Staff files and training matrices
- Inspection evidence and quality assurance
Who Should Take These Courses?
These free early years courses are designed for:
- Early years practitioners, nursery staff, and preschool teams
- Childminders and childcare professionals
- Teaching assistants and school support staff
- SEN support staff and inclusion teams
- Room leaders, supervisors, and managers
- Students, apprentices, and volunteers in childcare or education settings
- Anyone new to early years who wants a clear, supportive introduction
If you’re already experienced, the courses also work well as refreshers to help keep practice current, inclusive, and child-centred.
Start Learning Today – For Free
High-quality early years practice makes a lasting difference — supporting children’s development, confidence, communication, and readiness for the next stage of learning.
All courses are completely free, with no fees. Simply choose an Early Years course, start learning online, and download your certificate once you’ve completed it.
Join thousands of practitioners and educators across the UK who are building their knowledge and confidence through Care Learning’s Free Early Years Courses.
