Free online early years courses

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

Free online course: An Introduction to Babysitting

The course is hosted on the FutureLearn platform. Register now to study our 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.

Study our innovative, online master's degree: MA Early Childhood Education and Care

Discover our master's degree

Our MA in Early Childhood Education and Care with specialisms is a flexible, part-time, online master’s programme designed for educators, early childhood practitioners, leaders and policy makers.

Rooted in Norland’s internationally recognised expertise in early childhood, this postgraduate programme allows you to benefit from leading research, specialist teaching and over 130 years of pioneering early childhood insight to deepen your expertise and elevate your impact.

Are you interested in finding out more about our early childhood BA (Hons) degree?

Discover our world-renowned training

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

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Explore our early childhood course content

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

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Research / Keynote events & conferences, News

Kayla Halls presents ‘Exploring Quality Provision for Babies with Childminders’ as part of the Norland research webinar series

as Professor Mandy Edmond, Deputy Vice-Chancellor speaking at GESS Saudi Arabia 2026

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A Norland student and child attending a Sustainable Fashion Week session.

Charity & community / Media mentions

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Study / News

Norland becomes the first university dedicated to early childhood

Online courses in early years education