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Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Loughborough

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start31 Aug 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Loughborough. Classes run at Main Campus, full-time during the day.

Fees may apply depending on your age and circumstances, though fee remission may be available. The course covers child development from birth to 16 years old, including children's play, learning approaches, and current thinking in children's services. You'll also complete a work placement, which requires a DBS check. The course takes around one year to complete.

You'll finish with the NCFE Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner Diploma.

Who this course is for

This is a qualification for anyone wanting to work with children. It gives you the skills and confidence that you need to either carry on with further study or step straight into a job.

This cutting-edge course explores the development of children from birth to 16 years of age. It covers exciting topics, like children and play, as well as the latest thinking in children's services.

Entry requirements

GCSE English Language and Maths: one at grade C/4 or above, the other at grade E/2 or above, plus 2 other GCSE's at grade 2 or aboveANDA satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for courses involving work placement and will be required before going into employment

What you will learn

  • You'll explore how children develop from birth to 16 years old.
  • You'll study the role of play in children's learning and development.
  • You'll learn about current approaches and thinking in children's services.
  • You'll develop the skills needed to support children's wellbeing and learning.
  • You'll gain practical experience through a work placement in an early years setting.
  • You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Main Campus, covering theory and practical skills. The course includes a work placement in an early years setting, where you'll apply what you've learned. Assessment is through coursework, observations, and practical tasks completed during your placement.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a satisfactory enhanced DBS check before starting your work placement. Main Campus will confirm what else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Early Years Practitioner, supports children's learning and development in a nursery or early years setting.
  • Nursery Assistant, helps deliver daily activities and care for young children.
  • Early Years Assistant, works alongside qualified staff in a preschool or nursery.
  • Nursery Practitioner, supports children aged birth to five in a nursery environment.
  • Playworker, plans and supervises play activities for children in a play setting.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator, the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work and a common next step after this Diploma.
  • Level 3 Childcare and Education, broadens your knowledge and opens senior practitioner roles.
  • Early Years Teacher Status, requires a degree and is awarded through a separate graduate-level programme.
  • Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies (Level 5), for those wanting to move into leadership or specialist roles in early years.
Apply on loucoll.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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