Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Manchester

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

About this course

Free Level 2 Early Years Course in Manchester. Classes run at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus, full-time during the day. Over one year, you'll study child development, play, and the knowledge that underpins work in nurseries and primary settings. The course is developed in collaboration with employers, so the content reflects what the sector actually needs. It also prepares you to progress to T Levels if that's your next step.

Who this course is for

This course is part of our Industry Excellence Academy and is designed to support your transition to T Levels. The course has been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares you for your future career.

Are you passionate about working with children? This qualification will provide you with the knowledge and understanding essential to the early years and childcare sector.

Topics include:

  • Child development
  • Play and learning
  • Exploring legislation
  • The role of the childcare practitioner
  • Nutrition
  • Physical development and physical activity
  • GCSE/functional skills maths (if not already achieved).

You will also receive accredited first aid training and industry visits from experts within the sector.

This course also includes a minimum of 120 hours industry placement. You will complete two-days per week during term time.

Those successful in gaining a place on the Transition Programmes will be eligible for the ‘T Award’, a package of benefits that includes:

  • £300 per year bursary*
  • Curriculum based incentives
  • Free branded work wear
  • Opportunity to take part in exciting college-wide competitions
  • Minimum 20% delivery by industry experts
  • Access to industry standard laptop* (as appropriate)
  • Minimum 15- day industry placement
  • Digital upskilling
  • Master classes
  • And much more

*Subject to requirements including 95% attendance, positive attitude and grade profile.

What you will learn

  • You'll study child development across the early years and primary age range.
  • You'll learn how play supports children's learning and wellbeing.
  • You'll explore the knowledge and understanding essential to the early years and childcare sector.
  • You'll learn how to support children's needs in nursery and primary settings.
  • You'll understand how employers and industry shape practice in early years work.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at The Manchester College Openshaw Campus. The course has been developed with employers, so teaching connects directly to real sector practice. Assessment methods will be confirmed by the centre before you start. You'll have an initial assessment to make sure this level is right for you, and the centre will use it to plan your learning.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: support children's learning and daily routines in a nursery.
  • Nursery practitioner: work directly with young children in an early years setting.
  • Childcare worker: care for children in day nurseries or children's centres.
  • Primary school teaching assistant: support learning in Key Stage 1 or 2 classrooms.
  • Playworker: lead play activities in after-school or holiday clubs.
  • Early years key worker: take responsibility for a small group of children's development.

What you could study next

A free early years course at Level 2 is a strong foundation for further study. You could progress to a T Level in Education and Early Years, which includes an industry placement and is recognised for entry to higher education. From there, a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma is the qualification that counts toward statutory staffing ratios in nursery settings. Some learners go on to a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies to move into senior or specialist roles.

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