Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You learn while working in an early years setting, building skills on the job with employer support. The course covers child development, safeguarding, communication, and supporting children's play and learning. It typically takes 12 months to complete. There are no formal entry requirements.
Who this course is for
Learners will learn, develop and practise the skills required for employment and/or career progression in the Early Years sector.
Entry requirements
There are no formal requirements for this course.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
You'll learn how to support children's play, learning, and communication.
You'll understand safeguarding responsibilities and how to keep children safe.
You'll practise working with parents and carers to support children's wellbeing.
You'll learn how to observe and assess children's progress.
You'll develop skills in planning and delivering age-appropriate activities.
You'll understand health, safety, and welfare requirements in early years settings.
How you will learn
You learn through your day-to-day work in an early years setting. Assessment includes observations of your practice in the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, and written or professional discussion tasks. Your assessor will visit you at work to observe you with children and review your evidence. No exams are required.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Vts 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: hands-on care and play support for young children.
Childminder assistant: supporting a registered childminder at home or in the community.
Pre-school assistant: working with children aged two to four in pre-school.
Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children.
Playgroup worker: leading or supporting sessions in community play settings.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification counted in statutory staffing ratios for nursery rooms. A natural next step if you want to take on more responsibility.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: broader childcare qualification covering birth to 16.
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid: often required or preferred by employers in early years settings.
