Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Darlington – Darlington College – Part-time

CostFree if you're eligible
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
StartFlexible
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Darlington College lists a fee of £2,110 if you're not eligible. Contact Darlington College for more info.

About this course

Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, daytime and part-time, so you can fit study around other commitments. You'll start with an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you. The course runs for 34 weeks and covers working with children from birth to five years, with knowledge extending to age seven. It builds the skills and understanding you need to move into nursery and early years work.

Who this course is for

The course will prepare you to work with children between birth and five years with knowledge of children up to seven years. This course enables and encourages you to develop your skills and acquire relevant knowledge to enter the world of employment.

Entry requirements

You will need to have a good level of English to meet the demands of the course. Individual requirements will be discussed at interview.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to seven years.
  • You'll learn how to support children's play, learning, and communication.
  • You'll understand how to keep children safe and promote their health and wellbeing.
  • You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
  • You'll develop skills in working with parents, carers, and wider professional teams.
  • You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to respond to concerns.
  • You'll learn how to support children's emotional and social development.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Darlington College. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice, and professional discussions. You'll build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your skills and knowledge across the qualification. Individual requirements and how the course is structured will be discussed with you at interview.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to five in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in early years rooms.
  • Childminder assistant: helping a registered childminder with daily care.
  • Pre-school assistant: supporting learning and play in a pre-school setting.
  • Early years keyworker: taking responsibility for a small group of children.
  • Playgroup worker: leading or supporting sessions in community play settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator (NCFE or equivalent): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the natural next step if you want to take on a senior practitioner role.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: broadens your knowledge across the sector.
  • Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: a short course many employers expect alongside your main qualification.

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