Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train while working, volunteering, or on placement in a childcare setting with children aged birth to five years. The level 2 early years practitioner course covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to support babies and young children in nurseries, pre-schools, and playgroups. You'll work under supervision throughout, so your employer or placement setting is a core part of your training. The course typically takes 18 months.
Who this course is for
If you want a career working with babies and children from birth to 5 years, this course is a great first step. It's suitable for anyone from the age of 16 upwards with little or no experience in childcare. It will equip you to work under supervision in early years care and education settings such as day nurseries, pre-school and playgroups.
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 develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
You'll learn how to support children's play, learning, and communication.
You'll understand how to keep children safe and follow safeguarding procedures.
You'll learn how to support children's physical care needs, including feeding, sleep, and hygiene.
You'll understand how to work with parents and carers to support children's wellbeing.
You'll develop skills in observing and recording children's progress.
You'll learn how to work as part of a team in an early years setting.
How you will learn
Assessment takes place in your workplace. An assessor will observe you working directly with children and review evidence of your practice. You'll also complete knowledge-based tasks and written work to demonstrate your understanding. Because assessment is tied to real working situations, you need to be in a childcare setting with children aged birth to five throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. First College Lincs 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: working under supervision in a day nursery setting
Pre-school assistant: helping run sessions in a pre-school or playgroup
Childminder's assistant: supporting a registered childminder at home settings
Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children
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 the qualified adult ratios in an early years setting.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: a broader childcare qualification that opens roles with older children.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: often required or strongly preferred by employers in early years settings.
