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Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Nelson

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Nelson. Classes run at Nelson and Colne College, full-time during the day. You'll study how children aged 0 - 5 develop and learn, covering safeguarding, communication, health and safety, and observation skills. A work placement in a nursery or early years setting is a core part of the course. The course takes one year to complete. Entry requires 4 GCSE passes at Grade 3 or above, or a Level 1 BTEC including Grade 3 in English and Maths.

Who this course is for

Love working with children? The Level 2 Education & Early Years course is the perfect starting point for a career where you can inspire and support young learners every day. You’ll explore how children develop and learn through play, while building vital skills in safeguarding, communication, health and safety, and observation. The highlight is your work placement, giving you real hands-on experience in nurseries and early years settings, working with children aged 0–5. Whether you want to move straight into work or progress onto Level 3, this course is your first step towards a rewarding career in childcare and education.

Entry requirements

4 GCSE passes at a minimum of Grade 3, or a Level 1 BTEC which must include a Grade 3 in English Language or Literature and Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children aged 0 - 5 develop and learn through play.
  • You'll study safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll develop communication skills for working with children and families.
  • You'll learn health and safety practices in early years settings.
  • You'll practise observation techniques to support children's development.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience through a placement in a nursery or early years setting.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Nelson and Colne College, combined with a work placement in a nursery or early years setting. Assessment includes practical observation in the workplace, written assignments, and evidence gathered during your placement. Your progress is assessed against the NCFE Level 2 Diploma standards throughout the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Nelson and Colne College 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: helping qualified staff in early years settings
  • Childminder's assistant: supporting registered childminders in home settings
  • Pre-school assistant: working with children aged 2 - 5 in pre-school settings
  • Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator (NCFE or Cache): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the natural next step after Level 2.
  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner: moves you toward a supervisory or senior role in an early years setting.
  • T Level in Education and Early Years: a two-year full-time qualification for those wanting a deeper grounding before moving into Level 4 study or employment.
Apply on nelson.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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