Free Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Dartford. Classes run at North Kent College Dartford, with one day a week on work placement in an early years setting. This full-time daytime course covers children's health, development, and play, giving you both classroom learning and hands-on practice with babies and young children. It typically takes one year to complete.
Who this course is for
The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is a fantastic introduction into gaining knowledge about caring for babies and young children in Early Years settings. Your experience at college will allow you to participate in class-based activities to support an understanding of topics such as children’s health, play opportunities and development. You will spend time each week in a work placement so that you are able to put knowledge gained from your lessons into practice. You may be required to attend GCSE or Functional Skills lessons in English or Maths. This Level 2 qualification will support progression onto one of our Level 3 courses (subject to a satisfactory interview).
What you will learn
You'll study how babies and young children grow and develop.
You'll learn how to support children's health and wellbeing in early years settings.
You'll explore how to plan and provide play opportunities for young children.
You'll practise applying classroom knowledge during weekly work placements.
You'll develop an understanding of safeguarding and child protection principles.
You'll learn how to support children's communication and language development.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based activities at North Kent College Dartford, covering topics such as children's health, development, and play. Alongside your college sessions, you'll spend time each week on a work placement in an early years setting, putting what you've learned into practice. Assessment is through coursework and practical observation in your placement setting.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. North Kent College Dartford will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with young children in a nursery setting
Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in day-to-day childcare
Childcare worker: caring for children in a private or community setting
Early years key worker: building relationships with individual children and families
Creche assistant: supervising and engaging children in short-stay settings
Playgroup assistant: supporting play-based learning in community groups
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (Diploma): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. This is the next step if you want to take on greater responsibility in an early years setting.
Level 3 Childcare and Education (BTEC): a broader qualification covering childcare theory and practice, useful if you're considering further study or a supervisory role.
Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning: if working in a school setting appeals, this opens routes into teaching assistant roles.
