Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Redditch

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 Practitioner Course in Redditch. Classes run at Heart of Worcestershire College Redditch Campus, full-time during the day. You'll study child development, play, and the principles of early years practice. Work experience in a real childcare setting is a core part of the course, and the college has a simulated nursery environment to support your learning. This level 2 early years practitioner qualification typically takes one year to complete. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and maths, plus a satisfactory reference and interview.

Who this course is for

This qualification will help you turn your dream job into reality. Our course offers you the practical skills and knowledge that you need for working within the childcare and education sectors. , , During this course you will study aspects of childcare including: Patterns of Child Development, Promoting Children's Development Through Play and The Principles of Early Years Practice., , A key part of this course is work experience where you can learn practical skills, gain an understanding of the

Entry requirements

Applicants must have 4 GCSEs grade 3 and above (A*- D), including English and maths. For students wanting to progress with their childcare qualification at level 3 they will need to have achieved their GCSE in English and maths at a grade C (Grade 4/5 and above) during their course. Entry is subject to a satisfactory reference and interview. , , Entry decisions will be discretionary at interview. Students will continually be assessed through probation period to ensure they are on the correct lev

What you will learn

  • You'll explore patterns of child development and how children grow and learn
  • You'll learn how to promote children's development through play in early years settings
  • You'll understand the principles of early years practice
  • You'll develop practical childcare skills through hands-on work experience
  • You'll learn how to support children's development in line with sector expectations
  • You'll use a simulated nursery environment to put classroom learning into practice

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions, online resources, and library facilities at the Redditch Campus. A key part of the course is work experience in a childcare setting, where you apply what you've covered in class. Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, including a probation period to make sure you're working at the right level.

What you will need to bring

You'll need access to a digital device for online learning. You'll also need a uniform for your work placement. Heart of Worcestershire College Redditch Campus will confirm any other requirements before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: supporting children's learning and daily care in a nursery
  • Nursery assistant: helping qualified staff in early years settings
  • Childcare worker: working with young children in a range of care settings
  • Playgroup assistant: supporting play-based learning in pre-school groups
  • Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator (Diploma): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. You'll need GCSE English and maths at grade 4 or above to progress to Level 3 at this college.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: a broader route into senior childcare roles and further study.
  • T Level in Education and Early Years: a two-year technical qualification for those considering a career in teaching or early years leadership.

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