Level 2 Childcare Course in Leicester

CostAnnual Tuition Fee: GBP2224.80. Material Fee: GBP30.00. Additional costs may apply and concessions may be available. Please click on GO TO COURSE or call 0116 224 2240 or email [email protected] for more information.
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Level 2 Childcare Course in Leicester. Classes run full-time at Leicester College Abbey Park Campus, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. The course runs for one academic year and covers caring for children from birth to five years old, with knowledge extending to age seven. You'll spend time in a purpose-built training nursery on campus before completing a minimum of 100 hours of work experience in a real placement. These level 2 childcare classes cover child development, safeguarding, and early years practice.

Who this course is for

The level 2 qualification in childcare is the first step in starting an early years career. Lasting one academic year, it forms the perfect basis to either enter the workforce or progress higher and undertake the T level.

This skills taught on the course prepares you to work with children of ages from birth to five years old, whilst providing you with knowledge of children of up to seven years old. If you have little or no experience in childcare and want the opportunity to get a better understanding of the various careers available in the childcare sector, this course is great for you as it teaches you the building blocks of caring for children and young people and offers the chance to go a little bit deeper too.

There is a strong emphasis on building the necessary skills to work in the early years profession. This will not just happen in the classroom but also our specially designed training nursery. This will help prepare you before you go out into the workplace for work experience later in the year.

If you are aged 16 to 18, you will be enrolled on a study programme. This will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths if you haven't already achieved a grade 4 or above. You will take part in activities that help you to develop your personal skills, such as building your character and confidence. This will help you to live well and move into your chosen career.

All students, regardless of age, are expected to undertake relevant work experience as part of this course. For the Level 2, the amounts to a minimum of 100hrs. We have a dedicated placement coordinator who will support anyone who cannot find their own placement.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to seven years old.
  • You'll learn how to support the health, safety, and wellbeing of young children.
  • You'll practise caring for children in a training nursery environment before workplace placement.
  • You'll understand safeguarding principles and how they apply in early years settings.
  • You'll build skills in observing and supporting children's learning and play.
  • You'll complete at least 100 hours of work experience in a real childcare setting.
  • You'll explore the range of careers available across the childcare sector.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions and hands-on practice in the college's training nursery. Work experience in an external placement, a minimum of 100 hours, is a required part of the course. A placement coordinator is available to help you find a suitable placement if needed. Assessment is through coursework and practical observation across the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Leicester College Abbey Park Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children from birth to five in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in early years rooms.
  • Youth support worker: working with children and young people in community or school settings.
  • Playworker: leading play sessions in after-school clubs or holiday schemes.
  • Childminder's assistant: supporting a registered childminder in a home setting.
  • Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children's development.

What you could study next

  • T Level in Education and Early Years: the natural next step from this level 2 childcare qualification, combining classroom study with an extended industry placement.
  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory nursery staffing ratios, needed to work as a qualified practitioner.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work: if you want to move into youth support roles rather than early years settings.