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Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course Online – Professional Training Solutions

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryOnline
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course. Study online, at your own pace, around your existing commitments. You'll need to be working, volunteering, or on a practical placement in an early years setting to complete the skills-based elements. The course covers child development, planning activities, and supporting educational programmes for children aged 0 to 7. It typically takes 12 months to complete. This level 2 early years practitioner qualification meets the Department for Education's criteria for an Early Years Practitioner in the workforce.

Who this course is for

The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner provides learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children aged 0–7. The purpose of this diploma is to work and interact directly with children on a day-to-day basis, supporting the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of an early years setting.

Entry requirements

Learners must be aged 16 or over to enrol on this qualification. There are no formal prior learning requirements, although centres may have their own guidelines. Learners must also be working, volunteering or completing a practical placement in an early years setting in order to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for the qualification.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to age 7.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support purposeful play and learning activities.
  • You'll understand how to work within the ethos and routines of an early years setting.
  • You'll learn to support the delivery of educational programmes in line with setting requirements.
  • You'll develop skills in observing and responding to children's individual needs.
  • You'll understand safeguarding, health, and safety responsibilities in childcare settings.
  • You'll learn how to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.

How you will learn

Assessment uses a range of internal methods. Knowledge-based elements can be assessed through written tasks and assignments completed online. Skills-based elements must be assessed through direct observation in your workplace or placement setting. You'll need to apply your knowledge and skills in a real early years environment to meet the assessment criteria.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Professional Training Solutions will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need access to an early years setting, whether through employment, volunteering, or a practical placement, as workplace observation is a required part of the assessment.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: supporting children's play and learning in a nursery
  • Nursery assistant: day-to-day care and activities in a nursery setting
  • Pre-school assistant: working with children aged 2 to 5 in pre-school
  • Playgroup worker: supporting structured play in community playgroup settings
  • Childcare worker: caring for children in day care or children's centres
  • Reception class support assistant: assisting in early years primary school classes
  • Out-of-school club worker: supervising and engaging children in after-school settings

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the next step for those wanting greater responsibility in an early years setting. This is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and it opens the door to room leader and senior practitioner roles.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: a broader childcare qualification covering a range of settings and age groups.
  • Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: a short addition that many childcare employers require.
Apply on protrain-solutions.co.uk →
Apply now →

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