Early Learning & Care - Nature Based
This course helps learners achieve the Stage 1 Early Learning and Care certificate, focusing on the value of outdoor play in early education. It builds the skills to support children's development through inclusive, engaging outdoor experiences.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
38 weeks. Class times are 09:30 to 16:45, Monday to Thursday, 09:30 to 14:00 Friday, following a full-time schedule that combines practical outdoor sessions with classroom-based learning.
Entry Requirements
What are the entry requirements?
General:
• Applicants must be 16+ years of age on entry to the course.
• Leaving Cert, LCVP, LCA or QQI Level 4 Major Award is essential.
• Mature applicant route available for applicants aged 23+.
• Competent written and spoken English (CEFR B2 or Higher).
• Non-EU/EEA applicants must have permission to work in Ireland.
• Garda vetting is a requirement for this programme and participation is subject to a satisfactory outcome of the Garda vetting process.
Specific to Early Childhood Care & Education
• Demonstrate an interest in working with children.
• Experience working or volunteering in a childcare environment is an advantage but not essential.
Careers / Further progression
What are the progression opportunities?
If you complete a QQI major award with Kerry College, you may use your results to progress to third level (University, Technological University or Institute of Technology). You should check individual university websites for specific entry criteria for courses. There is a separate section on the CAO application for applying using your QQI results from Kerry College in the same way you use your Leaving Certificate results. You may also apply under the QQI Higher Education Links Scheme (HELS). A limited number of places are available each year.
What are the employment opportunities?
A professional qualification in ELC is required to work in the childcare area. The successful candidate would be qualified to work as an early years practitioner. After schools practitioner, AIM’s practitioner roles may also be available to qualified practitioners in both mainstream and nature-based settings.
Further information
Start Date: 07/09/2026.
Applications for all full-time programmes should be made online via the Kerry College. Your application will be processed using our FETCHCOURSES system.
If you haven't signed up for a FETCH account, you'll need to do this first. It's free and a one-time setup.
The aim of this course and what is different to other Early learning courses, is the promotion of the importance of outdoor learning and play in the field of Early Years Education. This will provide learners with the skills and knowledge to effectively facilitate and promote this type of learning. By the end of the course, learners should be able to confidently apply the principles and practices of outdoor learning and play in a range of early years settings, and to communicate the benefits of this approach to parents and colleagues. To facilitate this type of learning, the course will run from our Killorglin Campus, situated in the mountains and lakes on the outskirts of Killorglin town.
Why should I apply?
The Nature-Based Early Learning and Care course is delivered at Kerry College Killorglin Campus, located in a stunning natural setting just outside the town. A free shuttle bus runs daily from Killorglin Town to the campus, departing at 09:00 and returning at 16:45, making the course easily accessible for those travelling by public or private transport.
• Delivered in Killorglin, on the doorstep of Kerry’s wild landscapes including mountains, rivers, woodlands, and coastline, offering a natural campus unlike any classroom-based course.
• Unlike standard Early Learning and Care courses, this programme is delivered outdoors in a forest, riverside, and nature-rich environment, offering true immersion in nature-based education principles.
• Graduates may opt to continue their studies to the QQI Level 6 Early Childhood Care and Education at Kerry College while having specialised nature-based skills.
• Progress to Early Childhood Care and Education at MTU – Kerry Campus or the B.A. in Early Childhood Care and Education at Mary Immaculate College of Education, Limerick.
• Aligns with national and international movements toward outdoor learning, sustainability education, and child wellbeing, areas identified as priorities in the First 5 strategy.
• Delivered by tutors who actively work in nature pedagogy, not just general early childhood education.
• Daily outdoor sessions build real-world skills in child-led, nature-based pedagogy, something no fully indoor programme can replicate.
What is the certification?
QQI Level 5 Major Award Certificate in Early Learning & Care (5M21473).
What will I study?
Children’s Rights, Legislation and Regulation (5C21524)
Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies (5C21527)
Early Childhood Growth and Development (5C21526)
Holistic Care of Children, 0-6 Years (5C21525)
Professional Practice Placement in Early Learning and Care (5C21523)
Understanding and Assisting Children with Additional Needs (5C21528)
Lowland Leadership (5N21743)
This course includes a work experience component, providing learners with the opportunity to apply their learning in a real-world professional setting.
5M21473 - Early Learning & Care - Stage 1
Caragh Lake,
Killorglin,
County Kerry,
Ireland.
V93 EY00
t: (066) 9769244
e: outdoors@kerrycollege.ie
Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm