Benefit from over 130 years of Norland know-how

Established in 1892, Norland has a world-class reputation for excellence in early years education. As the first educational establishment to offer childcare training, Norland has been pioneering from the start. Our online courses offer you the opportunity to benefit from over 130 years of Norland know-how.

We are now offering a free introductory course in babysitting, designed specifically for teenagers and young adults. Created by Norland, this online course covers a variety of topics – from caring for children’s physical and emotional needs, to managing different behaviours using emotion coaching techniques, and effective communication with parents.

This course is the first in a series designed to give everyone, everywhere, a solid insight into childcare – all from the comfort of their own home.

checking temperature of baby's formula on wrist

New free online course: An Introduction to Babysitting

Register for course

The course is hosted on the FutureLearn platform. Register now to study our first free online course for teenagers and young adults, created by Norland’s Head of Enterprise and Strategic Partnerships. You’ll receive a certificate of completion once you have successfully completed the course.

Disclaimer: This course is open to individuals aged 13 and over. However, it is strongly recommended that babysitters are at least 16 years of age before being left in sole charge of a child. Where a parent or carer chooses to leave a child with a babysitter under the age of 16, full responsibility for the child’s safety and wellbeing remains with the parent or carer. There is no legal minimum age for babysitting in the UK; however, the NSPCC advises that individuals under 16 are too young to be legally responsible should harm come to a child.

Are you interested in finding out more about our early childhood training?

Discover our world-renowned training

Explore our BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree and Norland diploma.

View our training

Explore our early childhood course content

Discover what subjects our students study as they train to become a world-renowned Norland Nanny

View our course content

Join our mailing list

Sign up to our mailing list to receive exclusive content and the latest news, including information about our open days, funding opportunities and student life.

Sign up to our mailing list

Attend an open event

Register for our upcoming campus open days and virtual events to learn more about studying at Norland and life in Bath.

Book your place

View our latest news and blogs

A male Norland Nanny student in their blue uniform worn on placement led on the floor playing with a smiling child
Study / Media mentions

A day in the life of Bath’s Norland Nannies (ITV News)

Read more
Senior staff members pose for photo with Department for Education Head at Norland campus
Research / News

Norland welcomes the Department for Education’s Director of Early Years

Read more
Male Norland student in formal uniform outside smiling to camera
Study / Blog

“Truly joyful” – second-year student Freddie shares his placement highlights

Read more
A group of Norland students walking in their formal uniform at the Oldfield Park campus in Bath
Research / Media mentions

Norland experts featured in HELLO! Magazine

Read more
TEF gold award Winner of the Small or Specialist Whatuni Student Choice Award logo An award logo for Norland at the Times Higher Education Awards 2025 IHE inspiring course winner Heist silver award winner logo