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Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Grays

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start10 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Grays. Classes run at USP College Palmers Campus, full-time during the day.

The course covers child development from birth to seven years old. You'll study safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusion, and how to support children's play and learning. Units also cover special educational needs, positive behaviour, and partnership working with families. The course takes one year to complete.

You'll finish with the NCFE Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner.

Who this course is for

This course will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to seven years of age with applied knowledge in the early years 0-5 years.

You will develop skills and knowledge to prepare you to work with children.

We will encourage you to take responsibility for your own learning. This will help prepare you for further study or for progression to direct employment in the Early Years sector.

Entry requirements

Three GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English Language or Maths. At least one GCSE needs to be at grade 4 or above. A Level 1 qualification in a related field.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand child development from birth to seven years old.
  • You'll learn how to keep babies and young children safe and healthy.
  • You'll apply safeguarding and child protection principles in early years settings.
  • You'll support children's play, learning, and physical activity.
  • You'll promote equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.
  • You'll support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
  • You'll learn how to encourage positive behaviour in early years settings.
  • You'll build a professional practice portfolio to evidence your skills.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and practical activities. Assessment includes a professional practice portfolio, written assignments, and coursework covering each unit. You'll also need a satisfactory DBS check before starting placement-related elements of the course.

What you will need to bring

You will need a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. USP College Palmers Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Practitioner, works with children aged birth to five in nursery settings.
  • Nursery Assistant, supports daily care and learning activities for young children.
  • Early Years Assistant, helps plan and deliver play and educational programmes.
  • Nursery Practitioner, contributes to children's development in a registered childcare setting.
  • Playgroup Worker, supports children's learning and social development in a playgroup.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator, the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work and a strong next step after this Diploma.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, broadens your knowledge for senior roles in early years settings.
  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification, if you want to move into a school-based role supporting children's learning.
Apply on uspcollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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