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Level 2 Early Years Practitioners Course in Lee-on-the-Solent

Cost£2,400.00
Duration8 months
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryWork based
StartFlexible
Awarding bodyHighfield Awarding Body awarding body
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About this course

Level 2 Early Years Practitioners Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You study while working in a nursery, pre-school, or childminding setting with children aged 0 to 5. To enrol, you need to be employed for at least 16 hours a week in an early years setting. The level 2 early years practitioners qualification covers child development, safeguarding, communication, and supporting play and learning. The course typically takes 8 months. It leads to the Highfield Level 2 Diploma for Early Years Practitioners, a qualification recognised for work in the early years sector.

Who this course is for

The Highfield Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (QAN 610/3357/1) is designed for individuals who want to work with children aged 0–5 years in nurseries, pre-schools, or childminding settings. It is suitable for aspiring early years practitioners, existing support staff seeking a recognised qualification, apprentices completing an Early Years Practitioner programme, and adults changing careers into the early years sector. The course equips learners with the knowledge and skills needed to support children’s learning and development and helps meet the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). This diploma is suitable for those starting their careers in early years education, including school leavers and career changers.

Entry requirements

The Diploma is designed for individuals employed for 16+ hours a week at a nursery, pre-school, or similar early years setting with children aged 0–5 years. While there are no formal entry requirements, a basic level of literacy and numeracy is beneficial. Learners should be at least 16 years old and possess a genuine interest in working with young children.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand how children aged 0 - 5 develop physically, emotionally, and socially.
  • You'll learn how to support children's play, learning, and communication.
  • You'll apply safeguarding principles and know how to keep children safe.
  • You'll support children's health, wellbeing, and personal care needs.
  • You'll work within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
  • You'll build skills in observing and recording children's progress.
  • You'll learn how to work with parents, carers, and other professionals.

How you will learn

You learn on the job in your early years setting. Assessment combines workplace observations, written assignments, and a portfolio of evidence gathered during your day-to-day work. An assessor will visit you in your setting to observe your practice and review your evidence. Some knowledge units may be assessed through written questions or professional discussions.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Showcase Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Nursery practitioner: working with children aged 0 - 5 in a nursery setting.
  • Pre-school assistant: supporting learning and play in a pre-school.
  • Childminder: caring for young children in a home-based setting.
  • Nursery room leader: leading a room once you have further experience.
  • Early years key worker: taking responsibility for a small group of children.
  • Playgroup worker: supporting structured play sessions for young children.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification counted in statutory nursery staffing ratios. Required if you want to work as an unqualified-to-qualified practitioner leading a group independently.
  • Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator): a broader route covering the same level with additional specialist units.
  • Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner: for those moving into senior or leadership roles within an early years setting.
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