Level 2 Early Years Practitioner Course in Slough. Classes run at Slough and Langley College, full-time during the day. You'll need three GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English and maths, to join. The course runs for 36 weeks and covers knowledge of babies and young children from birth to 7 years. Alongside classroom study, you'll attend a practical placement in an early years setting throughout the course. This level 2 early years practitioner qualification is awarded by NCFE CACHE.
Who this course is for
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Extended Diploma for Technical Occupational Entry for Early Years Practitioner has been designed to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, with applied knowledge in the early years (birth to 5 years). It also provides introductory sector knowledge of professional practice to support wider contextual understanding of the early years practitioner route and optional units that provide learners with transferable employability skills.
Entry requirements
Three GCSEs at grade 2 or above including English and maths. This is a full-time study programme, and you will be required to attend college during the week and attend a practical placement for the duration of the course, and this will be in an early year setting to show competence in both skills and knowledge.
What you will learn
You'll develop knowledge of child development from birth to 7 years, with applied focus on the birth to 5 age range.
You'll learn about professional practice in early years settings and what the practitioner role involves.
You'll study how to support babies and young children's learning, play, and wellbeing.
You'll gain practical, hands-on experience through a placement in an early years setting.
You'll explore the wider context of the early years sector, including safeguarding and health and safety.
You'll complete optional units that develop transferable skills relevant to early years work.
How you will learn
You'll study in the classroom at Slough and Langley College during the week and attend a practical placement in an early years setting for the duration of the course. Assessment combines knowledge-based work completed at college with demonstrated competence in your placement setting, covering both skills and understanding.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Slough and Langley College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: working with children aged birth to 5 in a nursery
Nursery assistant: supporting qualified staff in a nursery setting
Early years teaching assistant: helping children learn in a Reception class
Childcare worker: supporting children's development in a day nursery
Playgroup assistant: working with young children in a community play setting
Creche worker: providing childcare in a creche or leisure centre setting
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator (NCFE CACHE or equivalent): the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work, and the natural next step after this Diploma.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: broadens your options across early years and childcare settings.
Early Years Apprenticeship (Level 3): earn while you learn, combining work in a setting with further study toward full practitioner status.
