Level 2 Childcare Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, fitting study around your existing commitments. It covers child and young person development, the factors that shape it (including nutrition), safeguarding, and how activity and interaction support healthy development. The course typically takes around 1 week to complete. You'll need 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, a Level 1 vocational qualification, or a Level 1 English qualification to enrol. If you don't have one of these, an initial assessment can still get you onto the right course.
Who this course is for
There are many factors that can impact on children and young people at different stages of their development. It is important to understand what these factors are, as well as the ways in which children and young peoples development can be enhanced through activity and interaction. This nationally-recognised qualification will help you to gain a detailed understanding of how childrens development can be influenced by factors such as nutrition, and gain an understanding of the various safeguarding responsibilities of those who care for children and young people. You will also discover the importance of activities, play and interaction, and learn how to contribute positively to the development of children and young people at different stages.Whether you are currently working with, or intend to work with, children and young people, or if you want to increase your understanding of care for these age groups, this course can give you the knowledge and confidence to support their healthy development. This qualification can also be used to complement a personal or voluntary role working with children and young people.This is an online course taught over 5-10 weeks, meaning you can choose when and where you study, so it offers you the flexibility to fit your studies around your existing work, training, or home-life commitments, whilst achieving agreed deadlines set by you and your tutor.
Entry requirements
4 GCSE qualifications (or equivalent) at grade D or 3 or above, or Level 1 vocational qualification, or Level 1 qualification in English.Additional Information: If you do not hold a suitable Level 1 qualification, or cannot provide evidence of one, you may still be able to enrol on this course following an initial assessment to test your level of literacy in English.
What you will learn
You'll understand the key stages of child and young person development.
You'll explore the factors that influence development, including nutrition and environment.
You'll learn how activity and interaction can enhance children's development.
You'll gain knowledge of safeguarding principles and why they matter.
You'll understand your responsibilities when working with children and young people.
How you will learn
This is an online course you complete at your own pace. Learning is delivered digitally, and assessment is based on written assignments or knowledge-based tasks that you submit online. South Bank Colleges will confirm the specific assessment format before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South Bank Colleges will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Youth Support Worker - supporting young people in community or education settings.
Nursery Assistant - helping with early years care and learning.
Playworker - organising and supervising play activities for children.
Childcare Worker - providing day-to-day care in a nursery or home setting.
Learning Support Assistant - supporting children in school environments.
Family Support Worker - helping families access services and develop parenting skills.
What you could study next
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) - the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. A natural next step if you want to move into a senior childcare role.
Level 3 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children - deepens your safeguarding knowledge and is valued across education, health, and social care roles.
Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care - broadens your options across adult and children's services.
