Free Level 2 Children's Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Practitioner) Course in Leyland. Classes run at Runshaw College. This is a full-time daytime course running over two years. To apply, you'll need at least four GCSEs at grade D/Level 3 or above, including English and Maths. You'll study how children grow, play, and learn, and develop the hands-on skills needed to support children in early years settings. The course leads directly to roles such as nursery practitioner. Pearson Edexcel BTEC Technical Diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development (Early Years Practitioner) with certificate.
Who this course is for
16-19 year olds
Entry requirements
Minimum of 4x Grade D/Level 3 including English and Maths.
What you will learn
You'll explore how children develop physically, emotionally, and cognitively in the early years.
You'll learn how to plan and support play activities that promote children's learning.
You'll understand how to keep children safe and meet safeguarding requirements.
You'll develop skills in observing and assessing children's progress.
You'll learn how to work with parents, carers, and other professionals.
You'll study legislation and frameworks that govern early years settings.
You'll build practical skills through work placement in a childcare environment.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Runshaw College, combined with practical work placement in an early years setting. Assessment includes assignments, observations of your practice, and portfolio evidence. You'll be assessed against Pearson Edexcel's BTEC standards throughout the two years, with coursework submitted at key points rather than a single final exam.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Runshaw College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: support children's play and learning in a nursery setting.
Early years educator: work in nurseries, pre-schools, or reception classes.
Nursery assistant: assist qualified staff in day-to-day childcare.
Childminder: provide home-based childcare (requires registration with Ofsted).
Playgroup worker: support structured play sessions for young children.
After-school club assistant: care for children outside school hours.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (BTEC or NVQ): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the next step if you want to take on greater responsibility in an early years setting.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: broadens your knowledge and can support progression into senior practitioner roles.
Level 4 or 5 qualifications in Early Years Leadership: for those aiming toward room leader or management roles.
