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Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Wakefield

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, with time split between college and a nursery or primary school placement. You'll study full-time over one year, building the knowledge and skills needed to support the care and education of babies and young children. The level 2 early years practitioner qualification covers child development, safeguarding, and everyday practice in early years settings. Entry requires 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English or Maths.

Who this course is for

This course can either be studied at Wakefield College, Castleford College or Selby College.

This qualification is designed to prepare you with the knowledge, skills and understanding to enter work in an early years setting and be included in staff to child ratios. The qualification includes both knowledge and skills that meet the Department for Education Early Years Educator (DfE EYE) criteria in full and map to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) within the Early Years Educator occupational standard in England.

When studying at Level 2, you will be in college for part of the week and on placement in a nursery or primary school for one or two days each week.

The programme will help you to understand your own personal and social development, including how to behave professionally.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at Grade 9-3, one will be either English or Maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of how babies and young children grow and learn.
  • You'll study safeguarding and child protection responsibilities in early years settings.
  • You'll learn how to support children's play, communication, and development.
  • You'll understand how to work within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework.
  • You'll practise supporting children's health, wellbeing, and personal care.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience through a placement in a nursery or primary school.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of classroom sessions at Wakefield College and practical placement in a nursery or primary school. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice in the workplace, and professional discussions. Your placement gives you direct experience working with children alongside qualified practitioners.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: supporting children's learning and care in a day nursery.
  • Nursery assistant: helping qualified staff in a nursery room.
  • Classroom assistant: supporting early years pupils in a primary school.
  • Playgroup worker: leading activities in community play settings.
  • Childminder: registered home-based care for young children.
  • After-school club assistant: supporting children in wraparound care.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. A natural next step if you want to take on greater responsibility in a setting.
  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner: builds leadership skills within early years teams.
  • Early Childhood Studies or Primary Education degree: for those aiming to move into higher education, as the provider notes this course supports that route.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
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