About the course
At the London School of Childcare Studies, we are dedicated to providing our learners with the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their roles and positively impact the lives of newborns and their families
Our programme is designed by pregnancy and birth professionals, parenting specialists, childbirth educators, and more.
Our Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme is accredited through the Open College Network at Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5:
Level 3 Maternity Nurse Practitioner Foundation
Level 4 Maternity Nurse Practitioner Diploma
Level 5 Maternity Nurse Practitioner Advanced Diploma
Free introductory taster session
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Course Delivery options
Online
We offer two different ways of learning to match what each student wants and needs.
- E-learning: You can start whenever you want and learn at your own speed. You can also join a live online or classroom session if you want.
- Online cohort/Virtual Classroom: We have set times throughout the year where we teach through virtual classrooms (see dates and book below).
Regardless which route you choose, all students get access to both – that means if you start on the eLearning route, you are welcome to join the online sessions, and likewise if you enrol on the online cohort you get access to the complete eLearning course. That’s felxibility!
Classroom – (blended for levels 4 and 5)
As an alternative option, we teach the level 3 content in a classroom setting over a 2 day weekend in central London. If you’re studying for Level 4 or 5, we teach Modules 4-7 in our virtual classroom (see dates and book below).
Which level is right for me?
The level 3 foundation is ideal for someone who wants to begin working as a maternity nurse, or for someone who works in a related field, but requires further specific training with regards to newborns.
The levels 4 diploma is designed to provide more comprehensive training and would suit people who already have some experience of either working with newborns or generally in the childcare industry.
The level 5 advanced diploma is our most comprehensive that covers some of the important considerations around maternal mental health as well as infants with special needs.
Course structure
Level 3 foundation
- 4 live sessions
- Level 3 specific assignments
- Online content
- Trainer support
Level 4 diploma
- Includes all Level 3 content
- Further 2 live sessions
- Level 4 specific assignments
- Online content
- Trainer support
- Additional free access to the Reflux, colic and food sensitivities workshop
Level 5 advanced diploma
- Includes all Level 4 content
- Further 2 live sessions
- Level 5 specific assignments
- Online content
- Trainer support
- Additional free access to the Reflux, colic and food sensitivities workshop
Level 3
Module 1 – Physiology and development of the new born
- Initial checks
- Developmental characteristics
- Developmental issues
- Infant development
- Attachment, temperament and sensitivity
- Parental adjustment
Module 2 – Care of the infant
- Sleep hygiene
- Feeding
- Evidence based care and guidelines
- Parenting dynamics
- Health and safety issues
- Developmental concerns and disorders
Module 3 – Caring for the mother
- Physical recovery after birth
- Mood and emotional well-being of the mother
- Effects of the lack of sleep and fatigue
- Baby blues and PND
- Other Postpartum symptoms
- Nutrition and exercise
Level 4
Includes all of Level 3, plus
Module 4 – Sleep in infants
- Physiology and psychology of sleep
- Circadian rhythms
- Newborn sleep cycle
- Supporting sleep (associations)
- Sleep guidance
- Cluster feeds, dream feeds
- Reflux and sleep
Module 5 – Feeding and breastfeeding
- Process of lactation
- Breast milk
- Breastfeeding
- Breast care
- Expressing milk
- Sterilising and making milk
- Reflux, colic, and dehydration
- Weaning
- Nutritional needs of the mother
Level 5
Includes all of Level 4, plus
Module 6 – Postnatal maternal mental health
- Definition and symptoms of perinatal mood disorders
- Accepting and seeking help
- Partner and family support
- Partner mental health
- Other challenges affecting the mental health of the mother
- Domestic abuse
- Cultural pressure
- Special needs child/children
Module 7 – Special needs infants
- Physiology
- Special baby care units
- Nutritional needs and feeding
- Contra-indications
- Difficulty bonding
- Long-term hospital stays
- Needs of other siblings
- Catching up
- Bringing up a child with complex needs
- Risk factors associated with twins and multiples
All levels
Module 8 Employability
Fees
In full
Level 3 £495
Level 4 £755
Level 5 £915
Instalments
Level 3 6 monthly payments of £85 (total £510)
Level 4 6 monthly payments of £130 (total £780)
Level 5 6 monthly payments of £155 (total £930)
Upcoming dates
Level 3
| Event | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 3 | January 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
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Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Classroom Training | 20th & 21st January 2024 | The Wesley, 81 - 103 Euston Street, London NW1 2EZ |
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Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 3 | March 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
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Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 3 | May 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
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Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 3 | September 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
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Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 3 | October 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
|
Register |
Level 4
| Event | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 4 | January 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
|
Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Classroom Training | 20th & 21st January 2024 | The Wesley, 81 - 103 Euston Street, London NW1 2EZ |
|
Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 4 | March 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
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Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 4 | May 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
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Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 4 | September 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
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Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 4 | October 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
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Register |
Level 5
| Event | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 5 | January 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
|
Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Classroom Training | 20th & 21st January 2024 | The Wesley, 81 - 103 Euston Street, London NW1 2EZ |
|
Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 5 | March 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
|
Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 5 | May 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
|
Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 5 | September 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
|
Register |
| Maternity Nurse Practitioner Programme Level 5 | October 2024 intake | Virtual classroom |
|
Register |
Julie Heginbottom
Maternity and Sleep Programme Lead Tutor and Assesor
Anna Le Grange
International Board Certified Lactation Consultant
Registered Paediatric Nurse
Mindful teachers
Anna is currently studying for MSc in Positive Psychology
Puja Chandegra
Perinatal Mental Health Psychologist
Bukky Oladokun
Interim Specialist Midwife, Infant Feeding Team Leader
Lucy Neary
Paediatric Dietician
Frequently asked questions
I am confused which level and what course delivery is the best for me
Sometimes having too many options can be confusing. If you find yourself in this situation, feel free to call us 020 3551 9373 or send us an email on info@childcarestudies.co.uk . We are always happy to speak with you and provide assistance.
What are the prerequisites for the maternity course?
Prior to attending this course, students must have a minimum of 1 year of experience working with babies, including newborns. If you do not possess any experience with newborns, we suggest enrolling in our Level 3 course and seeking a placement where you can provide support to an experienced mother or you work alongside experienced maternity nurse.
How do I enroll on the course?
You have the option to enroll in the cohort, which begins on a specific day. You may choose to attend in-person training or complete the course entirely online. Alternatively, you can register on our e-learning platform.
How much time per week is required for studying?
As a general guideline, we recommend dedicating 2-3 hours per week to watching the course lessons. For those enrolled in the Level 3 , we estimate that completing the assessment paper will require approximately 35 hours of work. For Level 4, this is likely to take approximately 45 hours. For Level 5 50 hours.
What if I am unable to participate in all of the virtual classroom sessions?
In case you are unable to attend an online session, it's not a problem. We record all the sessions and make them available on your e-learning account. All students studying online have access to our maternity course e-learning.
Working as a Maternity Nurse Practitioner
A Maternity Nurse Practitioner provides essential support to parents with newborn babies, generally for up to six weeks following the birth, but can be longer.
Your role is to ensure the family settles into life with their new-born and offer guidance and encouragement throughout. This may also include helping parents integrate the new-born with other children in the family.
For more information about the role of a Maternity Nurse Practitioner and earning potential, please view our relevant Maternity Nurse Practitioner blogs: