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Level 2 Early Years Course at MidKent College Maidstone Campus

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 at MidKent College Maidstone Campus, full-time during the day. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English or maths, to join. Over one year, you cover child development from birth to 11 years, play and learning, nutrition, physical development, legislation, and the role of the childcare practitioner. You'll also get a placement in an OFSTED good or above setting, so you learn alongside experienced practitioners. This level 2 early years qualification opens the door to nursery and primary school roles. NCFE Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings with certificate.

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 study child development from birth to 11 years and 11 months.
  • You'll explore how play supports children's learning.
  • You'll examine key legislation that governs childcare practice.
  • You'll understand the role of the childcare practitioner in early years and primary settings.
  • You'll learn about nutrition and its importance for young children.
  • You'll cover physical development across the early years age range.
  • You'll gain hands-on experience through a placement in an OFSTED good or above setting.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at MidKent College Maidstone Campus, combined with a work placement in a local early years or primary setting graded OFSTED good or above. Assessment is through the units covered on the course. The placement gives you direct experience working with children alongside qualified practitioners.

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: supporting children's play and daily routines
  • Nursery practitioner: working in a private or council nursery setting
  • Classroom teaching assistant: supporting learning in primary schools
  • Playgroup worker: leading activities in community play settings
  • Childminder's assistant: supporting a registered childminder at home
  • After-school club worker: supervising and engaging children aged 4 to 11

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the natural next step if you want to take on a senior practitioner role.
  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce: a broader qualification covering the full early years age range, suited to those working in or aiming for room leader positions.
  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant Diploma: if your placement experience points you toward primary school support work.
Apply on midkent.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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