Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Alton. Classes run at Alton College, full-time during the day. You'll study how to care for and educate children aged 0 to 11, covering child development, safeguarding, and communication. Entry requirements include GCSE English Language and Maths (one at grade 4, the other no lower than grade 3, or Functional Skills equivalent), plus three other GCSEs at grade 3 or above. The course takes one year. It's designed to lead into Level 3 study, including T Level routes.
Who this course is for
This is a full-time course suitable for school leavers (16-18 years) who would like a career in areas of children’s care and development. The course covers a range of key subject areas that provide the knowledge, understanding, and skills needed to care for and educate children aged between 0 and 11 years 11 months old. It has been designed to support progress to Level 3 qualifications across a number of sectors, including our T Level in Education and Childcare, Early Yea
Entry requirements
Applicants must have a genuine interest in working with children. You will need to have both English Language and Mathematics with one at grade 4 and the other no lower than a grade 3, or English Language and Mathematics at Functional Skills equivalent grades. In addition, you will need three other GCSEs at grade 3 or above. Other related Level 1 or 2 qualifications may be considered.
What you will learn
You'll learn how children develop physically, emotionally, and socially from birth to age 11.
You'll study safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore how to support children's learning and play.
You'll develop communication skills for working with children, families, and colleagues.
You'll learn about health, wellbeing, and nutrition in early years settings.
You'll understand the roles and responsibilities of practitioners in childcare environments.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at Alton College, combining taught lessons with practical tasks and assignments. Assessment is through coursework and written tasks that demonstrate your knowledge and understanding across the subject areas covered.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Alton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery assistant: support children's play and daily routines in a nursery
Nursery practitioner: care for and educate children in early years settings
Childcare worker: work in day nurseries, crèches, or children's centres
Classroom teaching assistant: support learning in primary school classrooms
Playworker: lead play sessions in after-school or holiday clubs
Early years key worker: build relationships with individual children and families
What you could study next
This early years qualification is designed to lead into Level 3 study. Options include:
T Level in Education and Childcare: a two-year full-time qualification that counts toward higher education or skilled employment in childcare
Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work
Level 3 Early Years Educator: leads to roles with greater responsibility in early years settings
