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Level 2 Early Years Course in Derby

Cost£1,417.00
Duration36 weeks
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 2 Early Years Course in Derby. Classes run at Derby College, full-time over 36 weeks. You'll spend three days a week in college and two days on placement, one in an early years setting and one in a primary school. The course covers a practitioner's role in supporting children's learning and development, plus safeguarding requirements. You'll also study GCSE Maths or English alongside the early years classes to support progression to Level 3. Entry requires a grade 4 in Maths or English Language, plus three other GCSEs at grade 3 or above.

Who this course is for

This course is suitable for students who want to work with children in either an early years or primary school setting and want to gain more experience in each sector.

Entry requirements

Grade 4 in either Maths or English Language and 3 other GCSE grades 3s and above

What you will learn

  • You'll explore the practitioner's role in supporting children's learning and development.
  • You'll study safeguarding requirements and how they apply in early years and primary settings.
  • You'll complete placement tasks in an early years setting to understand day-to-day practice.
  • You'll complete placement tasks in a primary school setting to broaden your experience.
  • You'll work through six mandatory units covering key areas of childcare practice.
  • You'll develop your Maths or English skills through GCSE study alongside the main course.

How you will learn

You'll study three days a week at Derby College and spend two days a week on placement. Lessons are classroom based, with resources available online via Teams to support your assessment tasks. Assessment is coursework based across six mandatory units, with formative assessments throughout to build your understanding before summative tasks. There are no exams. You'll also complete a placement work booklet as part of the course requirements.

What you will need to bring

Bring a notebook, pens, and highlighters. A folder to keep your work organised is also useful. Derby College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: support children's play and learning in a nursery setting.
  • Nursery assistant: assist qualified staff in an early years environment.
  • Classroom assistant: support teachers and pupils in a primary school.
  • Teaching assistant: work alongside teachers with children aged 5 to 11.
  • Playworker: lead activities in after-school clubs or holiday play schemes.
  • Childminder: care for children in a home-based setting (registration required).

What you could study next

This Level 2 Certificate is a step toward further study in early years and education. You could progress to a Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, which is the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. A T Level in Education and Early Years is another option if you want a broader route into the sector. Derby College's entry requirements for this course include GCSE Maths or English at grade 4, and the GCSE study built into this course supports that progression.

Apply on derby-college.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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