Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Chesterfield
CostFree if you're eligible
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding body
Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Chesterfield College lists a fee of £1,054.80 if you're not eligible. Contact Chesterfield College for more info.
Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Chesterfield. Classes run at Chesterfield College, full-time during the day. You'll need four GCSEs at grade D/3 or above, including English and maths, or a relevant Level 2 qualification to get started. Over one year, this early years practitioner qualification covers child development, safeguarding, play, and learning in early years settings. You'll graduate ready to work as a nursery practitioner or in similar childcare roles.
Who this course is for
16-18 Learners
Entry requirements
Four GCSEs at grade D/3 or above (including English and maths) or a relevant Level 2 qualification. Suitable for school leavers.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of how children grow and learn from birth to five years.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll learn how to plan and support play and learning activities.
You'll explore how to observe and assess children's development.
You'll study how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll build understanding of health, wellbeing, and nutrition in early years settings.
You'll learn how to support children's communication and language development.
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom sessions at Chesterfield College, combining taught lessons with practical tasks. Assessment includes written assignments, observations, and evidence gathered from placement in an early years setting. You'll build a portfolio of work that demonstrates your skills and knowledge across the course.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Chesterfield College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: supporting children's learning in a nursery setting.
Nursery assistant: helping qualified staff in day nurseries and preschools.
Childminder assistant: working alongside a registered childminder at home.
Early years teaching assistant: supporting children in Reception and Year 1.
Playgroup worker: leading or assisting sessions in community play settings.
After-school club assistant: supervising and engaging children aged 4 and up.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. It opens the door to leading a room and taking on more responsibility in a setting.
Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator): a broader qualification covering the full 0 to 5 age range, suitable if you want to work toward a senior practitioner or room leader role.
