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Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Ashton-under-Lyne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run full-time at Tameside College, five days a week during the day. The course takes one year and covers the care, learning, and development of children aged 0 to 11 years. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above to apply, and there's an interview as part of the process. Work experience is included throughout. This early years qualification is a strong foundation for working in nurseries, reception classes, and primary settings.

Who this course is for

This is a full-time study programme and has been designed to support you as you develop your knowledge, understanding and skills when caring for and supporting the learning and development of children aged 0-11 years 11 months. You will learn through a variety of teaching methods which aims to meet the needs of each individual and accommodate different learning styles, for example, assessments, group work, skills practice, extended writing and interactive activities. Throughout the course you will study 6 units in total and a professional skills record. These include:

� Child development from birth to 11 years 11 months

� Play and learning

� Exploring legislation

� The role of the practitioner

� Nutrition

� Physical development and physical activity.

You will also take part in mandatory skills practice.

Entry requirements

Level 2 (Intermediate)

  • 4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above.

You will be interviewed for this course; you should be enthusiastic about working in the early years and primary sector and be able to participate in work experience.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of how children aged 0 to 11 years grow, learn, and develop.
  • You'll learn how to support children's learning in early years and primary settings.
  • You'll build understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
  • You'll practise communication skills for working with children, families, and colleagues.
  • You'll explore how to plan and support play and learning activities.
  • You'll gain practical experience through work placements in real childcare settings.

How you will learn

Teaching is classroom based and uses a mix of methods to suit different learning styles. You'll take part in group work, skills practice, extended writing tasks, and interactive activities. Assessment is ongoing and includes written assignments and practical tasks. You'll also complete work experience in an early years or primary setting, which forms part of your overall assessment.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Tameside 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
  • Nursery assistant: help qualified staff in a day nursery or pre-school
  • Childminder assistant: support a registered childminder at home settings
  • Reception class assistant: work alongside teachers in primary schools
  • After-school club assistant: supervise and engage children aged 4 to 11
  • Early years key worker: take responsibility for a small group of children

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the natural next step if you want to qualify as an early years educator.
  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma: if you want to focus on primary school settings.
  • Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: a short course often required alongside childcare roles.
Apply on tameside.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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