Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Croydon. Classes run at John Ruskin College, full-time during the day. This level 2 early years practitioner course takes 34 weeks and covers how children aged 0 to 5 years develop physically, emotionally, and socially. You'll study safeguarding, inclusive practice, health and safety, and how to plan and deliver play-based activities. The early years practitioner classes prepare you to support children's care routines and well-being in nursery and early years settings.
Who this course is for
16 or 16+
What you will learn
You'll understand the roles and responsibilities of an early years practitioner.
You'll learn how babies and young children develop physically and emotionally.
You'll study health, safety, and care routines for children aged 0 to 5.
You'll explore safeguarding and child protection in early years settings.
You'll learn how to plan and support play, activities, and educational programmes.
You'll understand equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
You'll develop knowledge of supporting children with special educational needs and disability.
You'll learn how to promote healthy lifestyles and physical activity for young children.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at John Ruskin College. The course covers theory and practical knowledge across units including safeguarding, child development, and play. Assessment is through coursework and assignments linked to each unit. You'll also complete work placement hours to apply your learning in a real childcare setting.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. John Ruskin College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: supporting children's learning and daily care in a nursery
Nursery assistant: helping qualified staff in early years settings
Childcare worker: caring for young children in day nurseries or creches
Playgroup assistant: supporting play sessions for children under 5
Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (e.g. NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the natural next step if you want to work as a qualified practitioner counted in nursery ratios.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner: for those moving into a lead or supervisory role in an early years setting.
T Level in Education and Early Years: a two-year full-time qualification combining classroom study with a substantial industry placement.
