Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Rotherham. Classes run at Rotherham College, part-time during the day, so you can fit study around other commitments. This level 2 early years practitioner course covers working with babies and young children from birth to 5 years in settings such as day nurseries, pre-schools, and playgroups. You'll work under supervision and build practical skills alongside your classroom learning. The course typically takes one year. To enrol, you'll need to be working, volunteering, or on placement in a childcare setting.
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 learn how to support the care and development of babies and children from birth to 5 years.
You'll understand how young children learn through play and everyday routines.
You'll develop skills in observing and responding to children's individual needs.
You'll learn how to work safely in early years settings, including safeguarding and health and safety.
You'll explore how to support children's communication, language, and early literacy.
You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
You'll learn how to support children's physical development and wellbeing.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Rotherham College combined with practical assessment in your childcare placement or workplace. A key part of the assessment involves being observed working directly with children in a real early years setting. You'll also complete written tasks and build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your skills and knowledge across the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Rotherham College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged birth to 5 in a day nursery
Pre-school assistant: supporting children's learning in a pre-school setting
Playgroup worker: planning and running activities in a community playgroup
Childminder's assistant: supporting a registered childminder with young children
Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children
Creche worker: providing short-session childcare in leisure or community venues
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. It allows you to take greater responsibility for children's learning and development, and is the standard qualification for room leader roles.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: a broader childcare qualification covering children up to age 8.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: a short qualification many early years employers require alongside your main childcare qualification.
