Online Childcare and Teaching Assistant Qualifications: Is Online Learning Better Than College?

jayneparker15
Jul 8
3 min read

Online Learning vs. Traditional College – What’s Right for You?

If you’re looking to start or progress your career in childcare, residential care, or as a teaching assistant, one big question often comes up:

Should I study through online learning, or go back to a traditional college?

At COCAL Distance Learning College, we provide flexible, fully accredited online childcare qualifications that help learners across the UK gain the skills and confidence to succeed — on their own terms.

Let’s explore the differences between online and traditional learning to help you decide what works best for your goals.

What Is Traditional College – and Why Is Online Learning Different?

Traditional college involves attending in-person classes on a set timetable. While this suits some learners, it can be difficult for adults with full-time jobs, children, or other responsibilities.

Online learning, in contrast, is:

✅ Flexible – study at your own pace

✅ Accessible – no commuting, no classrooms

✅ Affordable – spread the cost monthly

✅ Supported – tutors available to guide and help

✅ Accredited – nationally recognised qualifications

What Are Online Childcare Qualifications?

Online qualifications allow you to study from home, on your schedule, with full tutor support and access to all your learning materials online. At COCAL, we deliver:

Accredited qualifications from Level 2 to Level 5
Self-paced learning with expert tutor guidance
Nationally recognised certificates
Flexible, affordable payment plans

We support learners across the UK looking to gain their first qualification or progress into specialist or senior roles.

Our Full Range of Online Childcare and Teaching Assistant Courses

Here’s a full list of our accredited online learning programmes, available to enrol in today:

Teaching Assistant

TQUK Level 1 Award in Preparing to Work in Schools

TQUK Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools

TQUK Level 3 Award in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools

TQUK Level 3 Certificate in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools

TQUK Level 4 Certificate for Higher Level Teaching Assistants

Early Years

TQUK Level 1 Award in Principles of Working in Early Years Settings

TQUK Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

TQUK Level 3 Diploma for the Children's Workforce

TQUK Level 5 Diploma for Senior Early Years Practitioners

Residential Childcare

TQUK Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare

Childminding

Level 3 Certified Learning Course for Home-Based Childminding

Real Story – How Online Learning Helped Jordan Qualify as a Teaching Assistant

“I wanted to work in schools but couldn’t attend college. With COCAL, I studied the Level 3 Teaching Assistant course online after my kids went to bed. I qualified in 10 months and now work in a primary school. The support was amazing.”– Jordan, COCAL Learner

Why Choose COCAL for Your Online Qualification?

At COCAL Distance Learning College, we’ve helped hundreds of learners:

Get qualified from home
Change careers or re-enter the workforce
Upskill for promotion or specialisation
Study at their own pace, with real support

All our courses are:

Fully accredited
Tutor-supported
Affordable and flexible
Designed for learners across the UK

Whether you're looking for a Level 2 introduction, a Level 3 practitioner qualification, or a Level 4 or 5 advanced course, we’ve got a route for you.