Free NCFE Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train while working in a childcare setting, earning a level 2 early years practitioner qualification that meets the Department for Education's full and relevant criteria for the role. The course covers knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, with applied focus on the 0 to 5 age range. It typically takes 13 months to complete. You must be aged 16 or over to enrol.
Who this course is for
The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to7 years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0-5 years. The qualification content meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 2 full and relevant criteria for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the workforce.
Entry requirements
Learners must be aged 16 or over.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 7 years.
You'll understand the early years curriculum and the 0 to 5 age range in particular.
You'll learn how to support children's learning, play, and development in a childcare setting.
You'll understand how to keep children safe and promote their health and wellbeing.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and colleagues.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and relevant legislation.
You'll develop skills in observing and assessing children's progress.
How you will learn
Learning takes place in your workplace. You'll build a portfolio of evidence from your day-to-day practice, supported by observations carried out in your setting. You'll also complete knowledge-based assessments. A training assessor will visit you at work to review your progress and sign off competencies. The qualification is assessed against the Department for Education's Level 2 full and relevant criteria.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Time Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery
Nursery assistant: supporting daily care and learning activities
Childcare worker: delivering play and learning in a childcare setting
Early years keyworker: taking responsibility for a small group of children
Creche assistant: providing childcare in leisure or community settings
After-school club assistant: supporting children aged 4 to 7
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator: the next step up, and the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. Completing this level 2 early years practitioner course puts you in a strong position to progress.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: a short qualification many childcare employers require alongside your main childcare qualification.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare: for those moving toward senior or management roles in early years settings.
