Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Bedford. Classes run at Bedford College, full-time during the day. Over one year, you'll build the knowledge and practical skills needed to support children's learning, development, and wellbeing in early years settings. This level 2 early years practitioner qualification is awarded by NCFE and covers child development, safeguarding, and working with families. It counts toward statutory staffing ratios in nursery settings at Level 2. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm the course is the right level for you.
Who this course is for
Course Summary can be found on the course page of the website
Entry requirements
Entry requirements can be found on the course page of the website
What you will learn
You'll understand how children develop physically, socially, and emotionally from birth to five.
You'll learn how to plan and support play-based learning activities.
You'll know how to keep children safe, including safeguarding responsibilities.
You'll explore how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll learn about health, wellbeing, and nutrition in early years settings.
You'll understand inclusive practice and how to support children with additional needs.
You'll develop communication skills for working within a professional childcare team.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Bedford College, combining taught content with practical tasks. Assessment includes written assignments, observations of your practice in an early years setting, and knowledge-based tasks. You'll also complete a placement element where you apply your skills with children directly. Bedford College will give you full details of placement arrangements before you start.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Bedford College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: supporting children's daily learning and care
Nursery assistant: working under a qualified practitioner in a nursery
Childcare worker: delivering care in a private or voluntary setting
Early years keyworker: taking responsibility for a small group of children
Playgroup assistant: supporting structured play sessions for young children
After-school club assistant: caring for children outside school hours
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (various awarding bodies): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for senior nursery roles. This is the natural next step after Level 2.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Cache): a well-regarded route into room-leader and supervisory positions.
Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner: for those moving into management or specialist roles within early years settings.
