Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Penzance. Classes run at Penwith College, with practical work placement alongside your college study. This full-time daytime course runs for one year. You'll develop the skills to observe, plan, and assess children's individual care and learning needs. Entry requires four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including Maths, English, and Science. A Disclosure and Barring Service check is also required. The course leads to roles such as nursery practitioner in early years settings.
Who this course is for
A career within the Early Years sector can be challenging but equally very rewarding. As an Early Years assistant, you will hold many qualities and have the necessary skills to observe, plan and assess children's individual care and learning needs. This course will offer you the opportunity to develop those skills over a period of one year both within the College and out in a practical work placement setting.
Entry requirements
All entrants must hold 4 GCSEs at grade 3 (D) or above, to include GCSE Maths, English and Science, plus one other.
Entrants holding a grade 3 or below in GCSE Maths or English will study towards GCSE Maths or English to gain grade 4 or above.
You will also be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service clearance check.
What you will learn
You'll observe children's development and record their individual learning needs.
You'll plan age-appropriate activities that support children's growth and wellbeing.
You'll assess children's progress and contribute to their individual care plans.
You'll support children's communication, physical, and social development.
You'll learn how to keep children safe and maintain safeguarding standards.
You'll understand the legal and regulatory framework for early years settings.
You'll build practical skills through a supervised work placement.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a combination of classroom sessions at Penwith College and hands-on work placement in an early years setting. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice in placement, and professional discussions. Your progress is assessed against the standards for the Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Penwith College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: supporting children's learning in a nursery setting.
Nursery assistant: day-to-day care and activities for young children.
Childcare worker: working in a private or community childcare setting.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception class.
Playgroup assistant: leading play-based sessions for pre-school children.
After-school club assistant: supervising and engaging school-age 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 as a qualified practitioner in a nursery.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: a broader route covering childcare management and education practice.
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner: for those moving into senior or leadership roles in early years settings.
