Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working, volunteering, or on placement in a childcare setting with children aged birth to five years. The course takes 12 months and covers the knowledge and practical skills needed to support early years care and education under supervision. You'll need a grade D/2 or above in English and Maths to enrol. The level 2 early years practitioner qualification is awarded by NCFE.
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.
Ideally you should have a D/2 grade in English and Maths
What you will learn
You'll understand child development from birth to five years.
You'll learn how to support children's play, learning, and communication.
You'll develop skills in safeguarding and child protection.
You'll learn how to support children's health, wellbeing, and personal care.
You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll understand equality, diversity, and inclusive practice in early years settings.
How you will learn
Assessment takes place in your workplace. An assessor will observe you working directly with children and review evidence you gather from your day-to-day practice. You'll also complete written assignments and knowledge-based tasks. Because assessment is tied to real working situations, you need to be in a childcare setting throughout the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Brighter Beginnings Day Nursery will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged birth to five in a day nursery
Pre-school assistant: supporting learning and play in a pre-school setting
Playgroup worker: planning and running activities in community playgroups
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 (various awarding bodies): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. Required if you want to count as a qualified member of staff in an OFSTED-registered setting.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: broadens your knowledge across the full early years age range.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: a short, practical qualification many early years employers require.
