Start Date
- September 2026, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
The level 2 Extended Technical 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 0-5 years. Within the extended diploma, you will cover 17 units including child development, play and learning and healthy lifestyles. You will also explore different provisions for children such as forest school and complete a unit on sustainability. You will undertake a work placement alongside studying, for a minimum of one day each week, to gain vital experience within the early years industry.
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 including bottle preparation and sterilising equipment. You will also create suitable crafts for children in early years. You will need to be able to work as a team and contribute to class activities. At the end of the course you will have achieved the competencies required to be included in ratio.
The course offers opportunities for local trips to venues such as The Forum and Norwich Castle. In the summer we enjoy a visit to a local attraction that would be suitable to visit with children 0-5 years.
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 Choose City College Norwich?
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 x GCSE's at grade 3 or above, including English Language at a grade 3
Attend and participate in a taster day
Demonstrate an ability and aptitude for working with children aged 0 to 5 years.
Complete associated diagnostic tasks including a summer project
Provide two positive references
Successful completion of a Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) check
How You Will Be Assessed
All units will be internally assessed by submitting a portfolio of work 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. You will undertake a minimum of three assessments over the two year programme at work placement.
Course Progression
This qualification allows progression to a Level 3 apprenticeship, T level Early Years Educator qualifications (if funding permits) and other relevant Level 3 qualifications relating to Early Years, Childcare and Health and Social Care.
Where Your Course Can Take You
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 can 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.
Why Choose City College Norwich?
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
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