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Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Exmouth

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Exmouth. Classes run at Exmouth Community College. This full-time daytime course covers child development from birth to 7 years, with a focus on the early years birth-to-5 age range. It meets the Department for Education's Early Years Practitioner criteria in full. You'll need 4 to 5 GCSEs including English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above to enrol. The course takes one year to complete.

Who this course is for

The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, with applied knowledge in the early years (birth to 5 years).

This qualification contains knowledge and skills that meet the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) Early Years Practitioner (EYP) criteria in full and maps to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) within the Early Years Practitioner occupational standard in England.

This qualification is designed for learners looking to work with children between birth and 5 years, and gain knowledge of working with children up to 7 years. Learners do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification.

Entry requirements

4-5 GCSE's including English and maths at grade 4 (C) or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 7 years.
  • You'll learn how to support babies and young children in the early years birth-to-5 range.
  • You'll understand how to plan and deliver activities that support children's learning and development.
  • You'll learn about safeguarding and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll develop skills in observing and assessing children's progress.
  • You'll understand how to work in partnership with parents, carers, and other professionals.
  • You'll learn about health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.

How you will learn

You'll study in the classroom at Exmouth Community College, combining taught sessions with practical and knowledge-based assessment. Assessment is built into the qualification and covers the knowledge, skills, and behaviours set out in the Early Years Practitioner occupational standard. This includes written tasks and evidence of applied knowledge across the units.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Exmouth Community College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children aged birth to 5 in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in early years rooms.
  • Childminder's assistant: helping a registered childminder with day-to-day care.
  • Pre-school assistant: supporting children's learning in a pre-school setting.
  • Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children.

What you could study next

  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner: a nested qualification that builds directly on this Diploma.
  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. Required if you want to count as a qualified practitioner in a nursery setting.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: a broader route into senior early years roles and further study.
Apply on ncfe.org.uk →
Apply now →

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