Early Years Practitioner - Level 2

• GCSE grade 4 or above in English and GCSE grade 2 or 3 in maths or GCSE grade 4 or above in maths and GCSE grade 2 or 3 in English

and

• 3 other GCSEs at grade 3 or above in any subject.

You must obtain satisfactory DBS clearance within the first six weeks of the course.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a Level 2 Occupational Certificate: Early Years Practitioner.

You will gain a licence to practise which will allow you to be employed as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, working with children in a supervised role.

• Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner
• Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years
• Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in early years settings
• Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in early years settings
• Understand how to support children’s development
• Support care routines for babies and young children
• Support the planning and delivery of activities, such as purposeful play
• Promote play in an early years setting
• Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
• Support babies and young children to be physically active
• Support the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• Promote positive behaviour in early years settings
• Partnership working in the early years
• Support the needs of the child in preparing for school.

• Interactive classroom sessions

• Group activities

• Guided independent study

• Guest lectures.

• Written assignments

• Presentations

• Group tasks and projects

• Observation of work placement.

You will complete a substantial work placement of at least 250 hours in an early years setting, gaining hands-on experience working with children from birth to five years. This practical experience will help you develop the professional skills, knowledge and behaviours needed to work successfully as an Early Years Practitioner.

You must obtain satisfactory DBS clearance within the first six weeks of the course.

If you do not hold English or maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above, you will be supported with dedicated lessons to help you achieve English and maths qualifications.

English and maths will be embedded throughout your course during lessons and practical tasks as it is vital to understand adult to child ratios, data related to child progress assessments and teaching emerging maths and literacy skills.

You can progress to the T Level in Early Years Education when you successfully complete this course.

Alternatively, you can be employed in a childcare setting, working in a supervised role within nurseries and daycare centres.

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course, you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section. 

You will be required to pay money towards equipment and trips, but this may be paid for you if you qualify for a bursary.