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Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Chelmsford

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Chelmsford. Classes run at Chelmsford College Moulsham, full-time during the day. You'll study six units covering childcare theory and practical skills, and spend two days a week on work placement in early years or primary settings. The course runs for one year. Entry requires a fully enhanced DBS check and four GCSEs at grades 3 to 9, including English Language and Maths. This is a recognised early years qualification that can take you into work as a Level 2 practitioner or onto a Level 3 course.

Who this course is for

If you're interested in studying early childhood education courses, this is the course for you. Studying this course will allow you to develop your skills, qualities, and confidence to work in the childcare sector (either early years or primary), or it will help you prepare for your next steps in education if you want to progress to a higher level. The course consists of a range of varied units designed to develop your theoretical and practical skills. Throughout the year, there will be 2 days of work experience per week in a variety of settings which will all help to support your overall understanding and boost your CV.

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements:

Fully enhanced DBS check and 4 GCSEs at grades 9-3 including English Language and Maths.

Specific Entry Requirements:

Internal learners must have successful completion of current course to meet course entry requirements and meet College expectations regarding attendance and attitude.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your understanding of child development in early years and primary settings.
  • You'll learn how to support children's learning, play, and wellbeing.
  • You'll study safeguarding principles and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll explore how to work with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll build practical childcare skills through two days of weekly work placement.
  • You'll gain knowledge of health, safety, and hygiene in childcare environments.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Chelmsford College Moulsham, covering both theory and practical skills across six units. Two days each week are spent on work placement in early years or primary settings, putting your learning into practice. Assessment is through a combination of coursework and practical evidence gathered during your placements.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a fully enhanced DBS check before starting. Chelmsford College Moulsham will confirm any other materials or requirements before your course begins.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: supporting children's learning and daily care in a nursery
  • Nursery assistant: helping qualified staff in early years settings
  • Classroom assistant: supporting teachers in primary school environments
  • Playgroup worker: leading or assisting sessions in community play settings
  • Childminder's assistant: supporting a registered childminder at home or in the community
  • Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children in a nursery

What you could study next

  • T Level in Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator pathway, Level 3): the natural next step if you complete this course with the required English and Maths grades. It leads to the Early Years Educator status recognised in nursery staffing ratios.
  • Level 3 Childcare Apprenticeship: earn while you train if you move into employment and want to continue studying toward a full Level 3 qualification.
Apply on chelmsford.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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