Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course. Study online. You study at your own pace, so the course fits around your work or volunteering hours in an early years setting. You need to be working or volunteering regularly with children during the course, as part of the qualification involves demonstrating practical skills in your setting. The course covers the knowledge and skills needed to work as an Early Years Practitioner at Level 2. It typically takes around 147 hours to complete.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed at people new to early years or unqualified staff in the role of Early Years Practitioner. You can be in a paid or volunteer role, but you will need to have regular hours with your early years setting prior to and during the course. (This could include a child-minding setting.)
This approved qualification allows a learner to count towards the Level 2 ratio with a Technical Occupational Entry Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Diploma.
Entry requirements
You will need to be over 17 and working/volunteering regularly in an early years setting, that allows you to demonstrate the skills-based part of the qualification. There are no formal entry requirements for this course but you will need an appropriate level of literacy to complete your qualification and commit to 2-3 hours per week study time. For the online part of the course, you will need to access and use our teaching platform we have introductory courses to help you use online classrooms.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
You'll learn how to support children's learning and play in an early years setting.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore how to support children's health, wellbeing, and personal care needs.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll build understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
You'll demonstrate practical skills directly in your early years setting.
How you will learn
You study through Devon Adult Education's online teaching platform, with introductory support available to help you get started. Assessment combines knowledge-based tasks completed online with skills-based evidence gathered in your early years setting. You'll need to commit to around 2 to 3 hours of study per week. Both the knowledge and practical elements are assessed, so regular access to your setting throughout the course is essential.
What you will need to bring
You'll need regular access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone to use the online teaching platform. You also need to be in a paid or voluntary role in an early years setting (including childminding settings) throughout the course. Devon Adult Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 to 5 in a nursery setting.
Early years worker: supporting children's development in a preschool or playgroup.
Childminder assistant: helping a registered childminder with daily care and activities.
Nursery room assistant: supporting a room leader in a day nursery.
After-school club assistant: working with younger primary-age children in wraparound care.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the natural next step if you want to take on greater responsibility in a setting.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce: a broader qualification covering leadership and specialist practice.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: often required or expected alongside childcare qualifications by employers.
