Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working or volunteering in an early years setting, putting your learning into practice from day one. The course covers child development, safeguarding, health and safety, wellbeing, communication, and play-based activities. You'll need to be in a setting for at least 16 hours a week. The course typically takes 12 months.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed at Candidates who work or want to work in Early years settings - Early Years assistant, Preschool assistant, Playgroup assistant, After school assistant, Childminder assistant, Childminder. Candidates will cover units around child development, safeguarding, exploring roles and development opportunities in early years settings, supporting health and safety, promoting wellbeing in early years setting, effective communication, supporting activities purposeful to play and educational programmes, understand how to support children with special educational needs, working with parents, colleagues and other professionals. Opportunities to develop skills and confidence, teamwork, and professional practice.
Entry requirements
Candidates need to be working or volunteering at least 16 hours each week in an Early Years setting.
Ideally Maths and English GCSE/ Level 1 or above.
What you will learn
You'll understand how children develop from birth through the early years.
You'll learn how to safeguard children and recognise signs of harm.
You'll support health and safety practices in an early years setting.
You'll promote children's wellbeing, including physical and emotional health.
You'll develop effective communication skills with children, families, and colleagues.
You'll plan and support activities that encourage play and learning.
You'll explore your role and development opportunities within early years settings.
How you will learn
You learn on the job, applying skills directly in your early years setting. Assessment includes observations in the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, and professional discussions with your assessor. Heart of Yorkshire Education Group will carry out regular workplace visits to assess your practice and review your progress throughout the 12 months.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Heart of Yorkshire Education Group will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: supporting children's learning and daily care in nurseries.
Preschool assistant: working with children aged 2 to 4 in preschool settings.
Childminder assistant: supporting a registered childminder in a home setting.
Playgroup assistant: helping run structured play sessions for young children.
After school club assistant: supervising and engaging children outside school hours.
Early years keyworker: taking responsibility for a small group of children's development.
What you could study next
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 or preschool.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: broadens your knowledge across childcare settings.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: often required or strongly preferred by employers in early years roles.
