Available to start
ELC Starter Pack
Try Before You Commit
Not ready to enrol in the full Major Award? Start with the first two QQI-accredited modules of the ELC qualification — then upgrade to the full award whenever you're ready.
🎓 QQI Accredited Modules
💻 Live Weekly Classes
🤝 1:1 Learner Support
🔄 Easy Upgrade to Full Award
Two QQI modules. Full support. Zero risk.
The ELC Starter Pack is a low-commitment entry point to the QQI Major Award in Early Learning and Care. You complete the first two core modules of either the Level 5 or Level 6 Major Award — with the same live classes, the same dedicated support, and the same Learning Management System as the full programme.
If you love it, upgrading is seamless. Your two completed modules count directly towards the full 6-module Major Award.
Level 5 Starter Pack
Certificate in Early Learning & Care
Award Code: 5M21473 — First 2 of 6 core modules
- Holistic Care of Children (Birth to Six Years) — 15 credits
- Curriculum, Play and Creative Studies — 25 credits
40 credits · Nationally recognised QQI module awards
✦ Upgrade to the full Level 5 Major Award (6 modules, €1,200) at any time
Level 6 Starter Pack
Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care
Award Code: 6M21471 — First 2 of 6 core modules
- Curriculum and Pedagogy — 25 credits
- Sociology and Social Policy in Early Learning and Care — 15 credits
40 credits · Nationally recognised QQI module awards
✦ Upgrade to the full Level 6 Major Award (6 modules) at any time
⚠️ Please note: You must complete all six modules to be eligible for the Major Award certificate. The Starter Pack earns you two individual QQI module awards — these are nationally recognised and count towards the full award if you choose to upgrade. Completing only the two Starter Pack modules does not qualify you for the Major Award.
What do you get with the ELC Starter Pack?
Full programme support from day one — the same experience as the complete Major Award.
Weekly Live Classes
Interactive online sessions facilitated by expert ELC trainers — structured, engaging and fully supported.
Full LMS Access
All study materials, resources and lessons available 24/7 through our Learning Management System in text and audio formats.
Dedicated Learner Support
Our support team is with you every step — from enrolment through to completing your modules and any upgrade queries.
2 QQI-Accredited Module Awards
On completion you earn two nationally recognised QQI module awards — credentials you can use straight away.
Easy Upgrade Path
Your two completed modules count toward the full 6-module Major Award. Upgrade at any time — simply pay the difference.
Flexible Payment Options
Pay upfront at €399 or spread the cost in convenient fortnightly or monthly instalments — whatever suits you best.
Starter Pack pricing
Two affordable options to get started. Your modules count if you upgrade to the full Major Award.
Level 5 Starter Pack
QQI Level 5 · 5M21473
Certificate in Early Learning & Care
First 2 of 6 core modules
First 2 of 6 core modules
€399
or
€105 per month — pay in instalments
- 2 QQI-accredited modules (40 credits)
- Weekly live classes with expert trainers
- Dedicated learner support team
- Full access to Learning Management System
- Credits count toward full Level 5 Major Award (€1,200)
Starting May 2026. Upgrade to the full award at any time — pay the balance to continue with the remaining 4 modules.
Enrol in Level 5 Starter PackQQI Level 6 · 6M21471
Advanced Certificate in Early Learning & Care
First 2 of 6 core modules
First 2 of 6 core modules
€399
or
€51 fortnightly — pay in instalments
- 2 QQI-accredited modules (40 credits)
- Weekly live classes with expert trainers
- Dedicated learner support team
- Full access to Learning Management System
- Credits count toward full Level 6 Major Award
For learners who already hold a Level 5 ELC qualification. Upgrade to the full Level 6 award at any time.
Enrol in Level 6 Starter PackReady to commit to the full Major Award?
Skip the Starter Pack and enrol directly in the full QQI Level 5 ELC Major Award — 6 modules, 120 credits, €1,200 upfront or €105 per month. The fastest route to full qualification.
How it works
From enrolment to your first QQI module awards — and beyond.
1
Enrol in the Starter Pack
Choose Level 5 or Level 6. Pay upfront (€399) or opt for instalments. You'll receive your LMS login within days of enrolling.
2
Attend weekly live classes
Join expert trainers in structured online sessions. Study alongside other learners with full LMS access from day one.
3
Complete your two QQI modules
Earn two nationally recognised QQI-accredited module awards. These count directly toward the full Major Award if you choose to upgrade.
4
Upgrade to the full Major Award
Ready for the full qualification? Continue with the remaining four modules and earn your QQI Major Award — the credential that opens early years careers in Ireland.
Why choose Forus Training?
Ireland's leading QQI-accredited training provider, trusted by learners since 2000.
4.9★
Over 1,700 Student Reviews
Our learners rate us 4.9 out of 5. Find out what they say about our courses, trainers and support team.
20k+
Learners Trained
More than 20,000 learners have completed courses with Forus Training across healthcare, childcare, business and more.
25+
Years of Excellence
Providing high-quality, accredited training since 2000 — a proven track record of supporting learners to qualification and employment.
🎓
QQI Accredited
All Forus ELC qualifications are fully accredited by QQI — nationally recognised and required for professional roles in Irish early years settings.
👩🏫
Expert-Led Live Classes
Our Programme Leader recommends the group-based blended course. You receive more support and the schedule helps you maintain the right pace.
💬
Dedicated Support Team
A learner support team that's genuinely responsive — from enrolment questions to assignment guidance, we're with you throughout.
★★★★★
"I was nervous to commit to the full course, so the Starter Pack was exactly what I needed. Two months in and I'd upgraded to the full Level 5 — best decision I made."
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before you enrol.
What exactly is the ELC Starter Pack?
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The ELC Starter Pack lets you complete the first two core QQI-accredited modules of the Level 5 or Level 6 ELC Major Award before committing to the full 6-module programme. It's designed for learners who want to experience the course with full support and then decide whether to continue.
Will my Starter Pack modules count toward the full Major Award?
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Yes. The two modules you complete in the Starter Pack are the same first two modules of the full 6-module Major Award. If you upgrade, you continue from where you left off — simply pay the balance and complete the remaining four modules.
Can I receive the Major Award certificate from the Starter Pack alone?
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No — you must complete all six modules to receive the QQI Major Award. The Starter Pack earns you two individual QQI module awards, which are nationally recognised qualifications in their own right. However, the Major Award requires all six modules to be completed.
What is the difference between the Level 5 and Level 6 Starter Pack?
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The Level 5 Starter Pack is the entry point — ideal if you are new to early learning and care. The Level 6 Starter Pack is suited to learners who already hold a Level 5 ELC qualification and wish to advance into supervisory or senior roles in childcare settings.
When does the next intake start?
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The next ELC intake starts in May 2026. Enrol now to secure your place — spaces are limited. Visit the upcoming courses page for the full schedule of start dates across all delivery options.
Can I pay in instalments?
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Yes. The Level 5 Starter Pack costs €399 upfront or €105 per month in instalments. The Level 6 Starter Pack costs €399 upfront or €51 fortnightly. If you later upgrade to the full Level 5 Major Award (€1,200 total), you pay only the balance remaining.
Are the classes live or pre-recorded?
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Classes are delivered live online with expert trainers — interactive, engaging and fully supported. You also have full access to the Learning Management System (LMS) where all course materials are available 24/7 in text and audio formats.
Have questions? Get a free consultation.
Our team is available to answer any questions and help you choose the right course, level and start date for you.
Forus.
Forus Training has been providing a unique blend of high-quality specialised courses since 2000. It is our mission to engage with learners on their continued professional and educational development — taking a holistic, learner-centred approach that reflects the most up-to-date developments and helps learners realise their goals.
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Events delivered
20,000+
Learners trained
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Google review rating
25+
Years of excellence
Full award
QQI Level 5 Certificate in ELC (5M21473)
The complete 6-module Major Award — the foundation qualification for working in early years settings.
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Advanced award
QQI Level 6 Advanced Certificate in ELC (6M21471)
Build on Level 5 and move into supervisory and leadership roles in early learning environments.
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Best value
Level 5 & 6 Combined Programme
Complete both awards together in one comprehensive 2-year programme — the most popular ELC pathway.
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Not ready to enrol just yet? Register your interest and we'll be in touch with details and upcoming start dates.
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