Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Harrow – Stanmore College – Full-time

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 Harrow. Classes run full-time at Stanmore College, five days a week during the day. The course takes one year to complete. You'll study child development, safeguarding, and how to support children's learning across a range of early years settings. This level 2 early years practitioner qualification covers principles of development, positive relationships, and practical skills for working in nurseries and similar environments. It's a strong starting point if you're considering a career as a nursery practitioner.

Who this course is for

The Early Years Technical Occupational Entry Practitioner NCFE CACHE Diploma Level 2 for 16-18 year student is designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to work in early years settings.

Throughout the course, you will learn about child development, safeguarding, and how to support children’s learning and development in a range of environments. The course includes units such as the principles of development, supporting positive relationships, providing a safe and healthy environment for children, and understanding the importance of play.

The course covers key areas such as promoting positive behaviour, working with parents and carers, and the role of the early years practitioner in fostering children’s wellbeing. You will also gain practical experience by working in an early years setting, allowing you to apply your learning in the real-world environment. A total of 250 placement hours is compulsory for this qualification.

Upon completion of this qualification you can progress to further study or employment as an Early Years Practitioner in settings such as nurseries, children’s centres, and schools.

What you will learn

  • You'll learn how children develop from birth through the early years.
  • You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll develop skills to support children's learning and play in different settings.
  • You'll explore how to build positive relationships with children and their families.
  • You'll study the principles of early years practice and professional behaviour.
  • You'll gain practical knowledge of planning and supporting activities for young children.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Stanmore College, combining taught lessons with practical activities. Assessment is through coursework, observations, and written tasks that reflect real early years practice. You'll build a portfolio of evidence as you progress through the course. There may also be a practical placement element to develop your hands-on skills in an early years setting.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner. Support children's learning in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery assistant. Help qualified staff in a day nursery or pre-school.
  • Childcare worker. Work with young children in a range of care settings.
  • Early years teaching assistant. Support children in a Reception or pre-school class.
  • Playgroup worker. Plan and run activities for children in community playgroups.
  • Creche assistant. Provide supervised childcare in leisure or community venues.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator (NCFE CACHE or equivalent). This is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the natural next step after Level 2.
  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce. Broadens your knowledge and opens senior practitioner roles.
  • Level 3 Teaching Assistant Qualification. If you want to move into school-based support roles with older children.

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