Key Facts

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

This course helps prepare you to work with children between birth and five years. You'll also learn about children up to seven years. You'll have to do 250 hours of work placements in a range of childcare settings, this means two days a week will be in a real-world setting. Alongside your work placement, you'll hear from different professionals, including nursery managers and teachers, to help you understand the needs, pressures and skills involved in working within early years.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a Meet the Tutor event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

    You will provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

    4 x GCSE's at D/3 or above, or a Level 1 qualification in a relevant subject. Your GCSE profile must include either maths and / or English , or a Functional Skills qualification in maths and / or English. We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

  • Course Content


    Units include:

    • Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner
    • Support babies and young children to be physically active
    • Support the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disability
    • Promote positive behaviour in Early Years Settings
    • Partnership working in the early years
    • Support the needs of the child in preparing for school
    • 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, purposeful play opportunities and educational programs
    • Promote play in an Early Years Setting
    • Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
  • Progression Next Steps


    Level 3 Technical Certificate in Childcare Education (EYE).

    There are lots of opportunities available to you to progress across the South Thames Colleges Group and into the world beyond education.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Assessment Details


    You'll be assessed in your work placement to focus on your practical skills. You'll also complete internally assessed assignments with practical and theoretical activities focusing on real work situations.