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Diploma in Early Years Practitioner Level 2

  • 2

    Level
    Level 2

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2025

  • Venue
    CCN-Main Campus

  • Course Code
    A0586

Start Date

  • September 2025, Full Time

Summary

The level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner has been designed to support learners as they develop their knowledge, understanding and skills when caring for and supporting the learning and development of children aged 0-11 years 11 months. Learners will cover a range of units including child development, play and learning, legislation and nutrition.
This is a two-year course where you will study not only the diploma, but also study additional professional qualifications, including safeguarding, basic food hygiene and paediatric first aid. You will have the time to learn the theories and practise the practical application of becoming an early years practitioner. At the end of the course you will have achieved the competencies required to be included in ratio.
If you are yet to achieve a grade 4 in English Language and Maths, this will also be a compulsory part of your course.

Why Our College?

Experience the working world

Through the college’s links to the industry, all childcare and early years students complete relevant industry work placements 2 days per week.

Expert teaching staff

Our highly skilled teaching staff are experts in childcare and early years education

Unique opportunities

You will participate in promotional campaigns and charity events, as well as attending subject trips and visits

Entry Requirements

4 GCSE's at grade 3 or above, including English Language and Maths
Attend a taster day
Demonstrate an ability and aptitude for working with children aged 0 to 11 years and 11 months in any setting
Complete associated diagnostic tasks
Provide two positive references
Successful completion of a Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) check

Assessment

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge based outcomes can be assessed using a range of assessment tasks, such as assignments, presentations and workbooks.
Skills based outcomes must be achieved with reference to a real work environment and must include direct observation within the workplace.

Progression

This qualification allows progression on to the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications and other relevant Level 3 qualifications relating to early years and child care.

Career Progression

This qualification allows a learner to count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner across the Early Years Workforce.
Learners may work under supervision in a variety of roles such as:

  • nursery practitioner
  • classroom assistant
  • pre-school practitioner.

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.

Where Next?

Why Our College?

Experience the working world

Through the college’s links to the industry, all childcare and early years students complete relevant industry work placements 2 days per week.

Expert teaching staff

Our highly skilled teaching staff are experts in childcare and early years education

Unique opportunities

You will participate in promotional campaigns and charity events, as well as attending subject trips and visits