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Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioners Course in Maidstone

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 BTEC Early Years Practitioners Course in Maidstone. Classes run full-time during the day at MidKent College Maidstone Campus. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English or maths, to join. The course covers child development from birth to seven years old, with a focus on applied knowledge for the early years birth-to-five age range. It takes one year to complete. On finishing, you can count toward the statutory EYFS staff-to-child ratio at Level 2, which matters for nursery and childcare settings.

Who this course is for

The aim of this qualification is to give you the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to seven years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, birth–5 years. On completion of the qualification, you can be counted towards the statutory

framework for the EYFS staff: child ratio at Level 2. The Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners is for those who are interested in working in the early years settings in the role of

Early Years Practitioner.

Youll study a range of units and topics such as Child development, Supporting childrens learning through play, Safeguarding the welfare of babies and children and also contributing to Observation, Assessment and Planning to

Support Children’s Development.

You will complete written work as well as practical tasks in your chosen placement. You will be observed throughout the year by an assessor as well as completing professional discussions and collecting witness statements to build a portfolio of evidence.

On successful completion of the programme you will gain a Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners.

You will need to purchase the MidKent College Childcare Deparmtent polo top which can be worn with black trousers or black jeans. This is available through our uniform partners.

All MidKent College students will continue studying English and maths until they are 19, or until they have achieved a Grade C/4. Your study programme will incorporate a Work Placement of up to 200 hours in an early years setting. All students will have access to a Personal Tutor to support their personal and professional development.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English or maths

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to seven years old.
  • You'll learn how to support babies and young children in early years settings.
  • You'll study the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
  • You'll explore how to observe and assess young children's progress.
  • You'll learn how to support children's play, learning, and communication.
  • You'll understand safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
  • You'll develop knowledge of health, safety, and wellbeing in childcare environments.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at MidKent College Maidstone Campus, attending full-time during the day. Assessment for the Pearson BTEC Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners is through a combination of coursework assignments and practical assessments. You'll build a portfolio of evidence demonstrating your knowledge and understanding across the units covered.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. MidKent College Maidstone Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner. Support children's learning and daily care in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery assistant. Help qualified staff in a pre-school or day nursery.
  • Childminder. Provide registered childcare in a home setting.
  • Early years teaching assistant. Support children aged three to five in a school.
  • Playgroup worker. Run activities for young children in community play settings.
  • Creche worker. Provide short-session childcare in leisure or community venues.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator. The next step if you want to take on more responsibility in a nursery or pre-school. Level 3 Early Years Educator is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for qualified practitioner status.
  • Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid. A short qualification many childcare employers require.
  • CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education. An alternative Level 3 route recognised by early years employers.
Apply on midkent.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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