Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Islington. Evening classes run at Early Years Alliance, with a mix of online study and time at the centre. You'll need to be working or volunteering in a nursery or pre-school setting for at least 6 hours a week to join. The course covers child development from birth to 7 years, with applied knowledge focused on the 0 to 5 age range. It meets the Department for Education's Level 2 full and relevant criteria for early years practitioners. The course typically takes 10 months.
Who this course is for
The Level 2 Diploma is ideal for learners looking to work with young children. The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0-5 years. The qualification content meets the Department for Educations (DfE) Level 2 full and relevant criteria for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the workforce. Upon successful completion of this qualification learners can enter the workforce as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner.
Entry requirements
You should be at least 16 years old. In addition you must be employed or volunteering in a pre-school or nursery setting for a minimum of 6 hours per week.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 7 years.
You'll understand how to support children's learning and play in an early years setting.
You'll learn how to observe and assess young children's progress.
You'll explore safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
You'll study health, safety, and wellbeing in early years environments.
You'll build understanding of how to work in partnership with parents and carers.
You'll apply your learning directly in your nursery or pre-school setting.
How you will learn
Learning is blended: you'll complete online study in your own time alongside evening classes at the centre. Assessment is through a combination of written assignments and evidence gathered from your workplace setting. Because the qualification requires you to be working or volunteering in an early years environment, much of your practical evidence will come from your day-to-day work with children.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Early Years Alliance 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 setting.
Pre-school assistant: supporting children's learning and play in a pre-school.
Childminder's assistant: helping a registered childminder in a home setting.
Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children.
Creche worker: caring for young children in a sessional childcare setting.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (Diploma): 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 Early Years Workforce: a broader qualification covering leadership and specialist practice.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: a short compliance qualification most early years employers require.
