Level 2 Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years Course. Study online at your own pace through Side by Side Training. This understanding mental health in the early years qualification covers children's mental health and wellbeing from birth to age five. You'll explore the role of an early years practitioner in recognising and supporting young children's mental health needs. The course typically takes 3 months. You need to be working in an early years environment to enrol.
Who this course is for
This qualification is designed for learners who wish to understand mental
health in young children in the early years (from birth to 5 years old) and the
role of the Early Years Practitioner to support children’s mental health and
wellbeing. This is a knowledge-based qualification. Through achieving this
qualification, learners will develop knowledge which would support
progression to further qualifications and into relevant employment in the
health and social care or education sectors.
Entry requirements
Minimum age is 16 years and learners will be working in an early years environment.
What you will learn
You'll understand what mental health means for children from birth to five years old.
You'll learn how to recognise signs of mental health difficulties in young children.
You'll explore factors that affect children's mental health and emotional wellbeing.
You'll understand the early years practitioner's role in supporting children's wellbeing.
You'll learn how to work with families and other professionals to support children's mental health.
You'll develop knowledge of relevant legislation and safeguarding in early years settings.
How you will learn
This is a knowledge-based qualification studied entirely online. You'll work through written learning materials at your own pace. Assessment is through written assignments or knowledge questions that you complete and submit online. There are no exams to sit in person. You can fit your study around your work in an early years setting.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Side by Side Training will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Nursery practitioner: supporting children's wellbeing in a nursery setting.
Early years educator: working with children from birth to five.
Nursery nurse: day-to-day care and learning support in nurseries.
Childminder: providing registered childcare in a home setting.
Teaching assistant (early years): supporting children in Reception classes.
Family support worker: helping families with young children's wellbeing.
What you could study next
Level 3 Early Years Educator: the qualification recognised in statutory staffing ratios for nursery work. A natural next step if you want to progress into a senior practitioner role.
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education: broader early years qualification covering care, learning, and development.
Level 3 Award in Safeguarding and Child Protection: deepens your knowledge of keeping children safe, valued by employers in early years and education settings.
