Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Eastbourne. Classes run at East Sussex College Eastbourne Campus, full-time during the day, over one year. You'll study child development, safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusive practice, and how to support children's play and learning. The course includes a minimum of 250 placement hours, where you'll apply theory in a real childcare setting. You'll need at least four GCSEs at grade 3 to 9, including English at grade 4 and maths at grade 3, plus a clear DBS check. NCFE Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner (Diploma) with certificate.
Who this course is for
Units of study include: supporting physical care routines for children; supporting children's play; supporting the needs of the child in preparing for school; supporting children's development; engage in professional development; and supporting creative play.You will also undertake a minimum of 250 placement hours.
Entry requirements
Minimum four grade 3-9 at GCSE or successful completion of the Level 1 course, and English Language at grade 4 and maths at grade 3. A clear DBS check will be required.
What you will learn
You'll support physical care routines for children in early years settings.
You'll understand how to observe, assess, and plan for children's development.
You'll apply legislation on safeguarding, child protection, and welfare.
You'll use health and safety and equality legislation in childcare practice.
You'll support children's positive behaviour and creative play.
You'll understand how to work in partnership with families and other professionals.
You'll prepare children for the transition to school.
You'll engage in your own professional development as an early years practitioner.
How you will learn
All units are internally assessed using a range of methods. These include direct observation in a placement setting, a portfolio of evidence, written assignments, and tasks set by CACHE. Some parts of the qualification must be assessed in a real work environment. You'll also complete a minimum of 250 placement hours, which are logged and used to connect classroom learning to practice.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. East Sussex College Eastbourne Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to arrange or complete a clear DBS check before beginning your placement hours.
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 day-to-day childcare.
Childcare worker: employed in private nurseries, children's centres, or crèches.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting children in Reception or pre-school.
Playgroup assistant: working in community or sessional play settings.
Wraparound care assistant: before and after-school childcare roles.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the next step if you want to take on a qualified practitioner role.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator): a broader qualification covering the full early years age range.
Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning: if you want to move into a school-based role as a teaching assistant.
