Free Level 2 The Early Years Practitioner Course in Hereford. Classes run at Herefordshire College, full-time during the day. The course covers a broad range of topics for working with young children, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience in childcare settings alongside qualified professionals. To enrol, you'll need at least four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and maths, or a related Level 1 qualification with good progress in English and maths. The course typically takes one year to complete.
Who this course is for
This Level 2 course is a fantastic entry point into the childcare sector, offering the opportunity to broaden learners’ knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. This allows for great insight into a diverse range of essential topics for working with children. Learners experience working in settings alongside qualified professionals, as the course is both knowledge and practice-based. The course design supports learners to make informed choices about progressing to higher level childcare qualifications with the potential to work in a sector that is, and always will be, in demand. This qualification includes work placements that provide successful students with a license to practice.
Entry requirements
A minimum of four GSCEs at grade 3, including English and maths or successful completion of a related Level 1 qualification and good progress with English and maths.
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, play, and communication.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll explore health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.
You'll learn how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll gain practical experience in early years settings alongside qualified practitioners.
You'll study equality, diversity, and inclusion in childcare environments.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a combination of classroom sessions and practical placements in early years settings. Assessment is both knowledge-based and practice-based, reflecting the dual structure of the qualification. You'll be assessed through written tasks, observations in the workplace, and evidence gathered from your time working with children in a professional setting.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Herefordshire College 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
Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in early years settings
Childcare worker: providing care and learning activities for young children
Playgroup assistant: supporting structured play sessions for young children
After-school club assistant: supervising and engaging children outside school hours
Crèche worker: providing short-term childcare in leisure or community settings
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (e.g. CACHE or TQUK): 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 an early years setting.
Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce: broadens your scope to work with older children and young people.
T Level in Education and Early Years: a two-year full-time qualification for those wanting a deeper route into the sector.
