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Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

This qualification is for those who work, or are about to work as a nursery assistant, creche worker or childminder in a supporting role where you will work with babies and young children, but generally under supervison. Topics covered include understanding child development, communication, safeguarding, health and safety, assessment and planning. This is a work based qualification and you will be assessed in the setting whilst working with babies and young children (0-5 years old).

What are the entry requirements for Level 2?

For all levels you will complete an initial assessment to identify your English and Maths levels and attend an informal interview with a teacher.

To enrol for a Level 2 course, you must be working at Functional Skills Level 1 in English

Voluntary or Employment placement requirements:

For a Level 2 course you need to be working in an establishment caring for babies and children from 0-5 years.  You can be either employed or working on a voluntary basis for a minimum of 9 hours per week which will be confirmed with your employer / placement.

You will need a DBS certificate to work or volunteer in a nursery or school. If you are working in a nursery or school it will be your employer's responsibility to get your DBS. If you are planning to volunteer in a nursery or school check if they will pay for your DBS or if you need to pay for it. If you need to pay for it you could apply for Discretionary Learner Support to help cover this cost if you are eligible. 

How is the qualification delivered and assessed?

This course is delivered online via Zoom, so you will need access to the internet and a laptop or tablet to take part in them. If this causes an issue for you then please contact us to see if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make for you.

During this course you will build an e-portfolio of work where you will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding through activities and assignments.

Your teacher and assessor will arrange to visit you in your workplace to observe you in practice. Tutorials and workshops may be arranged in school holiday time and this is a good time to catch up with coursework. The course content will be planned individually to suit your level, experience and working environment. You will be given a completion date for your portfolio and you must be completed by this date or you risk not achieving.

Further Progression

Successful completion of a Level 2 qualification could lead to progression to a Level 3 qualification or you may be recommended to upskill your English, maths or ICT before doing this. You may also be able to progress within employment in a variety of roles.

Back to Childcare page for details of dates, times and costs