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Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Maidstone

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Maidstone. Classes run full-time at MidKent College Maidstone Campus, five days a week during the day. The course takes one year and covers child development from birth to 11 years, play and learning, nutrition, legislation, and the role of the childcare practitioner. You'll also complete a placement in an Ofsted-rated good or outstanding setting, putting your learning into practice. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English or maths, to join. This is a recognised early years qualification that opens doors to nursery and primary settings.

Who this course is for

An opportunity to join a level 2 NCFE course that covers both Early Years and Primary Settings. Good progressions routes into employment or further education and skills. Access to local placements graded as OFSTED good or above to enable you to learn excellent skills from good quality provision.

Units will include:

*Child development from birth to 11 years and 11 months

  • Play and learning
  • Exploring legislation
  • The role of the childcare practitioner
  • Nutrition
  • Physical development and physical activity* An enhanced DBS check is required for your work placement
  • You will complete a work placement of a minimum 200 hours
  • There are six mandatory units
  • The study programme includes maths and English if re takes are required in addition to PPT sessions
  • A uniform is required but a bursary is available for eligible students

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English or maths

What you will learn

  • You'll explore child development from birth to 11 years and 11 months.
  • You'll study how children learn through play.
  • You'll examine key legislation that governs childcare practice.
  • You'll understand the role and responsibilities of a childcare practitioner.
  • You'll learn about nutrition and its importance in early childhood.
  • You'll develop knowledge of children's physical development.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience through a placement in an Ofsted-rated good or outstanding setting.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at MidKent College Maidstone Campus, supported by practical placements in local early years and primary settings. Assessment is through the units covered on the course, which include written work and evidence gathered during your placement. Your placement experience in an Ofsted-rated good or above setting forms a core part of how your skills are developed and assessed.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. MidKent College Maidstone Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant. Support children's learning in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery practitioner. Work directly with children aged 0 to 5.
  • Classroom assistant. Support teachers in primary school classrooms.
  • Playworker. Lead play activities in after-school or holiday clubs.
  • Childminder assistant. Support a registered childminder at home.
  • Early years key worker. Take responsibility for a small group of children.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator. This is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the natural next step after this Level 2 Certificate.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. Broadens your knowledge and can support a move into senior practitioner roles.
  • T Level in Education and Early Years. A two-year qualification for those wanting a deeper route into the sector before entering employment or higher education.
Apply on midkent.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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