Free Level 2 Childcare Course. Study online. You can work through the course at your own pace, fitting study around your other commitments. It covers the foundations of caring for children and young people, from child development to safeguarding and communication. The course takes around 20 weeks to complete. Entry requirements are straightforward: you need to be aged 19 or over and have literacy and numeracy at Level 1 or equivalent. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you.
Who this course is for
If you’re looking for a qualifications that will give you an introduction to childcare, our Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People is the ideal course for you. This qualification is available via distance learning, so you can study flexibly around your other commitments.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements, but you must be aged 19 or over and Level 1 in literacy and numeracy, or equivalent, to study this course.
What you will learn
You'll explore how children and young people grow and develop at different stages.
You'll learn how to keep children safe, including the basics of safeguarding.
You'll understand how to communicate effectively with children, young people, and their families.
You'll study the importance of play in children's learning and development.
You'll learn about the rights and needs of children and young people.
You'll understand the roles and responsibilities of those working in childcare settings.
How you will learn
The course is delivered entirely online, so you study in your own time without attending a centre. Assessment is through written assignments and coursework that you submit digitally. There are no exams. You work through the material at your own pace over the 20-week course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. University of Derby will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Youth Support Worker: supporting young people in community or residential settings.
Nursery Assistant: helping with the care and learning of young children.
Playworker: organising play and activities for children in after-school or holiday clubs.
Childminder: providing home-based childcare (subject to Ofsted registration).
Learning Support Assistant: supporting children with additional needs in schools.
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 work in a registered early years setting.
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce: broadens your options into youth work, residential care, and family support roles.
Level 2 or 3 Health and Social Care Diploma: if you want to move into adult or wider social care.
