Free Level 2 Childcare Course in Ashford. Classes run at EKC Ashford College (Elwick Road). You'll study how children learn and develop from birth to seven years old, covering child development, safeguarding, equality and diversity, play, and professional practice. A 250-hour work placement in a local nursery, school, or early years setting is built into the course. The course runs full-time over 44 weeks.
Who this course is for
Develop the professional skills and knowledge needed to become an Early Years Practitioner and start a career in the early years sector.
What you will learn
You'll explore how children develop and learn from birth to seven years of age.
You'll study safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe in early years settings.
You'll learn about legislation, frameworks, and professional practice in childcare.
You'll examine equality, diversity, and inclusion in early years environments.
You'll develop understanding of play and how it supports children's readiness for school.
You'll build communication, teamwork, and professional skills through a 250-hour work placement.
You'll gain practical experience working in a nursery, school, or other early years setting.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions combined with a 250-hour work placement in a local early years setting. The placement is a core part of the qualification, not an optional extra. You'll be assessed through a mix of coursework and practical observation in your placement setting. An initial assessment will confirm that this level is the right starting point for you.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. EKC Ashford College (Elwick Road) will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: support children's learning and development in a nursery setting.
Nursery assistant: assist qualified staff in day-to-day childcare.
Playgroup worker: lead or support sessions in community play settings.
Childminder's assistant: support a registered childminder with young children.
Early years teaching assistant: work alongside teachers in Reception or Year 1.
After-school club worker: supervise and engage children in out-of-school care.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. Required if you want to count toward qualified staff numbers in a registered setting.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator): a broader route covering the same regulated level.
Early Years Apprenticeship (Level 2 or Level 3): earn while you learn in a paid childcare role.
T Level in Education and Early Years: a two-year full-time qualification for those wanting a deeper academic and practical grounding.
