Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Newbury. Classes run at Newbury College, full-time during the day, over 34 weeks. You'll study how to support children from birth to five years, with knowledge extending to age seven. No previous childcare experience or qualifications are required to start. Where you haven't yet met the Maths and English entry requirement, Functional Skills is built into the course. This is a focused, full-time route that covers child development, safeguarding, and everyday practice in early years settings.
Who this course is for
This qualification is ideal for students looking to work with children between birth and 5 years, and gain knowledge of working with children up to 7 years. Students do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification and will achieve a NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner qualification on successful completion.
Entry requirements
Students will be accepted onto the course if they have a vocationally relevant Level one Diploma and Functional Skills Maths and English, preferably at Level 1. All students must have achieved, or show the ability to achieve, Maths and English to grade 3 (D) or equivalent. Where a student has not yet fulfilled this requirement, a functional skills qualification is a mandatory part of this course.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to support the development and learning of children from birth to five years.
You'll study safeguarding and child protection responsibilities in early years settings.
You'll explore how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll learn about health, safety, and wellbeing in childcare environments.
You'll develop knowledge of working in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll study equality, diversity, and inclusion as they apply to early years practice.
You'll learn how to support children's communication, language, and literacy development.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Newbury College, combining taught knowledge with practical activities. Assessment includes written assignments, observations, and evidence of your understanding of early years practice. Where Functional Skills Maths and English are part of your programme, these are assessed separately alongside the main Diploma.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Newbury College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to five in a nursery setting.
Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in day-to-day childcare.
Childminder's assistant: helping a registered childminder in a home setting.
Playgroup assistant: supporting early play and learning sessions.
Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children's progress.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (NCFE CACHE or equivalent): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the natural next step if you want to take on greater responsibility in an early years setting.
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce: broadens your scope to work with children up to age 19.
Apprenticeship in Early Years Education (Level 3): combines work and study if you're already employed in a childcare setting.
