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Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Norwich

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Norwich. Classes run at City College Norwich, full-time during the day. You'll study child development, play and learning, legislation, nutrition, and safeguarding, covering care and learning support for children aged 0 to 11. The course runs over two years and includes additional professional qualifications alongside the main Diploma. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English Language and Maths, plus a DBS check before you start.

Who this course is for

The level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner has been designed to support learners as they develop their knowledge, understanding and skills when caring for and supporting the learning and development of children aged 0-11 years 11 months. Learners will cover a range of units including child development, play and learning, legislation and nutrition. This is a two-year course where you will study not only the diploma, but also study additional professional qualifications, including safeguarding, basic food hygiene and paediatric first aid. You will have the time to learn the theories and practise the practical application of becoming an early years practitioner. At the end of the course you will have achieved the competencies required to be included in ratio. If you are yet to achieve a grade 4 in English Language and Maths, this will also be a compulsory part of your course.

Entry requirements

4 GCSE's at grade 3 or above, including English Language and Maths Attend a taster day Demonstrate an ability and aptitude for working with children aged 0 to 11 years and 11 months in any setting Complete associated diagnostic tasks Provide two positive references Successful completion of a Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) check

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to age 11.
  • You'll learn how to plan and support play and learning activities.
  • You'll understand safeguarding legislation and your responsibilities in a childcare setting.
  • You'll study nutrition and its role in children's health and wellbeing.
  • You'll build skills in observing and assessing children's progress.
  • You'll learn how to work within relevant legislation and professional standards.
  • You'll gain additional professional qualifications alongside the main Diploma.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based sessions at City College Norwich, with practical work placements in childcare settings. Assessment includes a combination of coursework, observations in practice, and written tasks. You'll also attend a taster day and complete diagnostic tasks as part of the entry process. The two-year programme combines taught sessions with hands-on experience working with children aged 0 to 11.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. City College Norwich will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide two references before the course begins.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in early years rooms.
  • Childminder: caring for children in a home-based setting.
  • Playgroup worker: leading or assisting sessions in pre-school groups.
  • After-school club assistant: supporting children aged 5 to 11 in wraparound care.
  • Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children.

What you could study next

This Diploma is a strong foundation for further study in early years and childcare. You could progress to a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, which is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. From there, some learners go on to a Foundation Degree or BA in Early Childhood Studies, or explore routes into primary teaching through a PGCE or School Direct programme.

Apply on ccn.ac.uk →
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