Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Hartlepool. Classes run at Hartlepool Community Hub South, with a mix of online study and time at the centre. To join, you'll need to be working, volunteering, or on placement in a childcare setting with children aged birth to five, as part of your assessment takes place in that setting. The course runs full-time over 20 weeks and covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to work as a nursery practitioner.
Who this course is for
Always wanted to work in Early Years but unsure where to start? Our Early Years programme is here to help!
This exciting childcare programme is a mix of study and work. You will gain the Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner and gain valuable work experience in a childcare setting along the way.
Entry requirements
You will need to be working, volunteering or have a practical placement in a childcare setting, with children aged between birth to 5 years, as an important part of the assessment process involves evaluating skills in real working situations.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to support children's learning and development from birth to five years.
You'll understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities in a childcare setting.
You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll develop skills in planning and delivering age-appropriate activities.
You'll understand health, safety, and welfare requirements in early years settings.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll build knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusion in early years practice.
How you will learn
Learning is blended: you'll study online and attend sessions at Hartlepool Community Hub South. A significant part of your assessment is observation-based, carried out in your childcare setting with children aged birth to five. You'll need to be in a working, volunteering, or placement role throughout the course. Assessment methods include practical observation of your skills, written work, and knowledge checks.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Hartlepool Community Hub South will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need access to a childcare setting (through work, volunteering, or a placement) as this is a requirement of the course.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged birth to five in a nursery setting.
Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in a day nursery or preschool.
Childminder assistant: supporting a registered childminder in a home setting.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting young children in a school reception class.
Playgroup worker: leading or assisting sessions in a community playgroup.
After-school club assistant: supporting children in wraparound care settings.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. Required if you want to count toward qualified staffing numbers in a registered setting.
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce: broader qualification covering work with children up to age 19.
T Level in Education and Early Years: a two-year Level 3 qualification combining classroom study with an industry placement.
