How to Become an Early Years Practitioner | Requirements UK

Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 2 is the most recognised.

Level 2 most recognisedOpen entry

Live listings typically advertise £14.25 to £15.25 an hour. See the full Early Years Practitioner salary guide.

Your route in

Employers typically expect around L2

1

Qualifications employers recognise (Level 2)

Any of these strengthens your application.

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Diploma L295 courses
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner L211 courses
Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners L29 courses
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Diploma L22 courses

2

Add-on certificates

Complements to the main route. Where no level is shown, the awarding body does not specify one.

Food Safety in Care and Early Years Settings 7 courses
Work-based childcare qualification for early years and education staff 2 courses
Child Development and Care in the Early Years 2 courses
Early Years Practice (work-based programme) 1 course
Emergency Paediatric First Aid 1 course

3

Where this can take you

BTEC National in Early Childhood Development L325 courses
Level 3 Certificate in Health and Social Care L314 courses
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Health and Social Care L37 courses
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce L36 courses

Courses for this career

See free Early Years Practitioner courses

Level 2

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Diploma L295 courses
Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner L211 courses
Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners L29 courses
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Diploma L22 courses

Level 3

Level 3 Montessori Early Years Educator (Birth to Seven) L31 course
Level 3 Early Years, Childcare and Education Certificate L31 course

Take the next step

See live Early Years Practitioner jobs Check what you can get free

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