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Level 2 Early Years Course in Barnstaple

Cost£772.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body
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About this course

Level 2 Early Years Course in Barnstaple. Classes run at North Devon College, full-time during the day. You'll study for one year, covering child development, safeguarding, communication, and supporting learning in early years and primary settings. The course includes a work placement in a childcare or education setting, giving you hands-on experience alongside your classroom learning. A level 2 early years qualification is a recognised step toward nursery practitioner roles and further study at Level 3.

Who this course is for

If you love working with children and want to build a rewarding career in early years or primary education, this Level 2 Certificate is the perfect first step! This course provides a clear pathway to Level 3 study, apprenticeships, or employment in childcare and education.

Entry requirements

To enrol on this course, you will typically need:

A keen interest in working with children. A positive attitude towards learning, teamwork, and communication. A commitment to completing a work placement in a childcare or education setting.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand how children grow and develop in their early years.
  • You'll learn how to support children's learning and play in nursery and primary settings.
  • You'll study safeguarding and how to keep children safe.
  • You'll explore how to communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.
  • You'll learn about inclusive practice and how to support children with different needs.
  • You'll develop an understanding of health, wellbeing, and nutrition for young children.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at North Devon College, supported by a work placement in a childcare or education setting. Assessment includes written assignments, observations during your placement, and portfolio evidence. Your placement gives you the chance to apply what you've learned in a real working environment alongside qualified practitioners.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. North Devon College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery assistant: supporting children's play and daily routines
  • Nursery practitioner: working in a private or maintained nursery setting
  • Classroom assistant: supporting teachers in primary school
  • Playgroup worker: leading activities in community play settings
  • Childminder's assistant: supporting a registered childminder at home
  • After-school club assistant: supervising and engaging children aged 4 to 11

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the natural next step after this Certificate.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: a broader qualification covering early years and primary settings.
  • Early Years Apprenticeship (Level 3): earn while you learn, combining work and study toward a full Level 3 qualification.
Apply on petroc.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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