Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Birmingham

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Birmingham. Classes run at University College Birmingham. This full-time daytime course covers working with children from birth to five years old, with some content extending to age seven. You'll study for one year, building practical knowledge of child development, safeguarding, and early learning. The course suits those with little or no previous childcare experience. An initial assessment helps confirm this is the right level for you.

Who this course is for

"Do you have ambitions of a career working with young children, but have little or no experience in childcare? Take the first step towards your future on our Early Years Practitioner college course. Designed for students aged 16 who want to work in the childcare sector, our Level 2 course will give you an ideal introduction to this field.

Our course prepares you for working with children up to five years old, as well as giving you a good working knowledge of supporting children up to seven years old. In addition to studying a range of subjects such as safeguarding, wellbeing and supporting Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), you will also spend two days per week getting real-life experience on placement in a childcare setting, while you will also have access to our brand new Early Years simulation suite on campus.

By taking this Level 2 Early Years course, you will receive great training for a variety of rewarding roles such as classroom and nursery assistant positions. It will also provide you with an ideal platform to move on to higher level courses in the areas of early years education and childcare."

Entry requirements

Please refer to the University College Birmingham course page for specific entry requirements.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how to support children's development from birth to five years old.
  • You'll study safeguarding and child protection responsibilities in early years settings.
  • You'll explore how young children learn and play.
  • You'll develop knowledge of health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.
  • You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
  • You'll understand how to work with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll cover equality, diversity, and inclusion in childcare settings.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at University College Birmingham, combining taught lessons with practical activities. Assessment includes written assignments, observations, and evidence of your knowledge and skills. You may also complete a placement in an early years setting, where you'll apply what you've learned in a real childcare environment.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. University College Birmingham 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.
  • Childminder assistant: supporting a registered childminder at home.
  • Pre-school assistant: working with children aged two to four in pre-school.
  • Early years teaching assistant: supporting learning in a Reception class.
  • Playgroup worker: leading play sessions for young children.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator (various awarding bodies): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the next step if you want to take on more responsibility in an early years setting.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: broader childcare qualification covering a wider age range.
  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualification: if you want to move into a school-based support role.

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