Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Stevenage
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Fees apply if you're not eligible. Advanced Learner Loan available. Contact North Hertfordshire College for more info.
Level 2 Children's Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Practitioner) Course in Stevenage. Classes run at North Hertfordshire College Stevenage Centre, full-time during the day, over one year. You'll build specialist knowledge of child development from birth to age five, covering how to support children's play, learning, and growth. Two days a week are spent on work placement with children aged 0 to 8, giving you direct experience in nurseries and early years settings. To enrol, you'll need four GCSEs at grade D or above, including maths and English, or a Level 1 qualification in a relevant subject with maths and English at the same level.
Who this course is for
Our childcare courses include lots of opportunities for you to get hands-on experience of the world of work, including:Work placements with businesses like Busy Bees, Kinders Mill Day Nursery, Strathmore School, St Andrews and Weston Way Nursery Attending work placement two days a week with children aged 0-8 (level 2 and 3 childcare students)Engagement with guest speakers from businesses like Busy Bees, TUI Group, Ofsted, parents and home based practitionersEnrichment activities such as outdoor classrooms, visits to Nursery World Exhibition, the UCAS convention and museums linking to child development.Your course will be a mix of classroom-based theory sessions, workshop sessions that explore practical skills and project working with employers and the local community. You will also complete 280 hours of work experience and complete an assessed portfolio of evidence during your work placement.You will develop skills such as observing children through play, understanding health and safety requirements and how to plan and prepare activities for young children. You will look at the role of an early years practitioner and how to apply practice in the workplace.
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at grade D or above including maths and English; or, Four GSCEs at grade D or above, plus functional skills level 1 maths and English; or, A level 1 qualification in a relevant subject area, passed with a Merit or Distinction grade - plus maths and English GCSE grade D or above, or functional skills level 1 maths and English.
What you will learn
You'll understand the stages of child development from birth to age five.
You'll learn how to plan and support children's play and learning activities.
You'll develop the skills to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll practise working collaboratively and reflectively as an early years practitioner.
You'll gain hands-on experience through work placements in nurseries and early years settings.
You'll learn how to support children's health, wellbeing, and safeguarding.
You'll hear directly from professionals including Ofsted representatives and practising nursery staff.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at North Hertfordshire College Stevenage Centre, combined with two days a week on work placement in early years settings with children aged 0 to 8. Assessment is through the Pearson Edexcel BTEC framework, which includes coursework, practical tasks, and evidence gathered during your placements. Guest speakers from the sector contribute to your learning throughout the year.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. North Hertfordshire College Stevenage Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: work with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
Nursery assistant: support qualified staff in day nurseries and pre-schools.
Early years teaching assistant: assist in Reception and early primary classes.
Playworker: lead play sessions in after-school clubs or holiday schemes.
Childminder: care for children in a home-based setting (registration required).
Crèche worker: provide short-term childcare in leisure or community venues.
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC National Diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development: the next step for those wanting to qualify as an Early Years Educator, the level recognised in statutory nursery staffing ratios.
Early Years Educator Apprenticeship (Level 3): earn while you learn in a paid role in an early years setting.
T Level in Education and Early Years: a two-year full-time qualification with an extended industry placement, for those aiming toward teaching or senior early years roles.
