Children's Fitness Specialist

The NCEF Health Related Activity for Children (Children's Fitness) specialist pathway equips you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to design and deliver safe, enjoyable, and effective physical activity programmes for children aged 4-12 years.This specialist pathway focuses on developing movement skills, physical literacy, health-related fitness, and positive attitudes towards physical activity in children. You will learn how to create engaging sessions that encourage participation, build confidence, and promote lifelong healthy habits in a fun and supportive environment.Graduates will be qualified to plan and teach age-appropriate exercise and activity programmes in a variety of settings, helping children develop the skills and motivation needed to lead active and healthy lives.Why Choose Children's Fitness?Design and deliver safe, effective, and enjoyable activity sessions for children aged 4-12 years.Encourage healthy lifestyle habits through fun and engaging exercise programmes.Learn how to adapt activities to suit different ages, abilities, and developmental stages.Gain practical experience leading group activities in a variety of settings.Help address the growing need for quality children's physical activity programmes without a competitive emphasis. Career OpportunitiesGraduates may pursue opportunities in:Children's Fitness InstructorPrimary Schools and After-School Activity ProgrammesAfter-School ClubsChildren's Fitness ClassesSummer Camps and Activity CampsCommunity Recreation ProgrammesSports Development InitiativesYouth Health and Wellbeing ProgrammesSelf-Employed Children's Activity ServicesThis specialist pathway is ideal for fitness professionals who are passionate about helping children develop confidence, movement skills, and a lifelong enjoyment of physical activity in a positive and inclusive environment.

All NCEF courses and modules are accredited by the University of Limerick (UL). University of Limerick Accredited 15 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits towards the Higher Certificate/Diploma/B.Sc. in Exercise & Health Fitness through our flexible learning pathway and also towards other University qualifications in Europe who follow ECTS credit value system. Europe Active Level 5 Exercise Specialist Module Successful students will receive an NCEF Certificate of Completion

The Children's Fitness specialist pathway combines child development, physical activity leadership, programme design, and practical coaching skills to prepare you to deliver safe, engaging, and age-appropriate fitness programmes for children aged 4-12 years.You will learn how to create positive physical activity experiences that support children's health, wellbeing, confidence, and lifelong participation in exercise.Growth, Development & Physical LiteracyDevelop an understanding of how children grow, learn, and develop physically, including:Anatomy and physiology of growth and maturationStages of motor learning and movement developmentPhysical literacy and fundamental movement skillsAge-appropriate exercise and activity programmingHealth and wellness for children Programme Design & InstructionLearn how to plan, deliver, and evaluate effective physical activity sessions for children through:Children's fitness programme designSession planning and progressionTeaching and communication skillsGroup management and participant engagementSafe and inclusive activity deliveryPractical leadership and coaching techniquesChild Safeguarding & Best PracticeAll students complete the Tusla Children First E-Learning Programme, a short 1.5 hour online course, providing essential knowledge of:Child safeguarding principlesRecognising and responding to child welfare concernsReporting procedures and responsibilitiesWorking safely and professionally with childrenBest practice guidelines for organisations and instructorsPractical Experience & Professional DevelopmentApply your knowledge through practical learning and professional preparation, including:Work experience and portfolio developmentLesson planning and deliveryReflective practiceAssessment preparationProfessional communication skillsAssessmentStudents are assessed through a combination of:Practical teaching assessmentsProgramme design and planning tasksWork experience portfolio requirementsOnline assessmentsVideo submission assessments demonstrating coaching and instructional skills Learn from ExperienceThroughout the programme, you will develop the confidence and practical expertise to lead children's fitness and physical activity programmes in schools, community settings, leisure centres, after-school clubs, camps, and youth activity programmes.This specialist pathway is ideal for fitness professionals who want to make a positive impact on children's health, wellbeing, confidence, and lifelong enjoyment of physical activity.

Children’s Fitness Module FeesThe fee for the Children’s Fitness module is €1,495.Payment OptionsOption 1: Full PaymentPay the full fee of €1,495 on acceptance of your place.This includes a non-refundable deposit of €595.Option 2: Split PaymentA non-refundable deposit of €595 is due on acceptance of your place.The remaining balance of €900 must be paid minimum 6 weeks before the module begins.If you are taking this module as part of the Higher Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (Year 2), the cost is already included in the Higher Certificate course fees.Learner ProtectionIn compliance with Section 65(4)(a) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012, Learner Protection arrangements have been secured with Arachas Insurance. This ensures cover in the unlikely event that NCEF ceases to provide the programme before completion.

1️⃣ NCEF Certificate in Exercise & Health Fitness (CEHF) NFQ Level 6OR 2️⃣ NCEF/PEAI Level 1 National Certificate in Fitness & Exercise Instruction - Current and Recertified You must also hold a PHECC First Aid Response qualification.*Garda vetting is required. On payment of fees, you will be sent for Garda vetting, through the University of Limerick.*Tusla Children First e-Learning - All students are required to complete the TUSLA Children First e-learning programme. This is a free online programme of study that takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. This covers topics including recognising and reporting child abuse, the role of mandated persons, the responsibilities of organisations working with children to safeguard children, the role of designated liaison persons. When you have completed the programme, you will receive a digital Certificate of Completion from Tusla which must be submitted to the NCEF Head Office prior to commencement of the Children's Fitness module.If you hold another health/fitness qualification from another institution/s or bodies and relevant work experience in the fitness industry, we ask you to complete an RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) application form which is a common route of entry onto NCEF courses. Please click here to apply through RPL

Online DeliveryAll content, including lectures, progress assessments, videos, and resource materials, is delivered via the University of Limerick’s virtual learning environment, Brightspace.Children's Fitness is delivered entirely online, allowing you to study from home, abroad, or anywhere with an internet connection.Learning on BrightspaceBrightspace integrates a wide range of tools to support teaching, assessment, feedback, collaboration, and communication.Flexible learning - Classes are pre-recorded with voiceover, so you can study at a time that suits you.No fixed timetable - there are no live class requirements - you set your own schedule.Start DatesSpring 2027: Monday, 25 January to Late-April 2027Autumn 2027: Monday 06 September to December 2027

Applications are now open. Click here to apply