Free Level 2 BTEC Technical Occupational Entry for Early Years Practitioners Course in Colchester. Classes run full-time at Adult Skills Centre Colchester. The course covers working with children from birth to seven years old, including physical care routines, child development, play, and managing paediatric illness and injury. A large part of the programme is practical: you'll complete 300 hours of industry work experience alongside your classroom study. You'll also develop your English, maths, and employability skills. The course takes around 9 months. Entry requires 4 GCSEs (grades 9 - 3) including English Language and Maths, or a Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent, plus an interview and a DBS check.
Who this course is for
The Early Years Practitioner Level 2 programme is designed to help build the knowledge and skills needed for learners looking to work with children and young people from birth to seven years of age.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs (9-3) including English Language and Maths, or Level 1 Functional Skills equivalent, or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 1 qualification, and an interview. A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS*) check is also required.
What you will learn
You'll learn how to support physical care routines for young children.
You'll study how to plan activities that meet the developmental needs of children.
You'll learn how to support and extend children's play.
You'll develop skills in managing paediatric illness and injury.
You'll complete 300 hours of industry work experience in an early years setting.
You'll build your English, maths, and employability skills alongside the main programme.
How you will learn
You'll study 11 units in the classroom at Adult Skills Centre Colchester, covering child development, care routines, and play. A significant part of the programme is work-based: you'll complete 300 mandatory placement hours in an early years setting. All students are required to purchase and wear a uniform in college and on placement. Assessment is through the units and your practical placement work.
What you will need to bring
All students in the Early Years department are required to purchase and wear a uniform, both in college and during placements. Adult Skills Centre Colchester will confirm the uniform requirements and anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: work with children from birth to five in a nursery setting.
Early years teaching assistant: support learning in Reception or pre-school classes.
Childcare worker: provide care and activities in a day nursery or crèche.
Playworker: lead play sessions in after-school or holiday clubs.
Nanny or childminder: provide home-based care for young children.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (Diploma): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the next step if you want to take on a qualified practitioner role.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce: a broader route covering leadership and specialist areas within early years settings.
Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma: if you want to move into a school-based support role.
