The Level 2 Early Years Practitioner is found in a range of private and public settings including full day care, children’s centres, pre-schools, reception classes, playgroups, nursery schools, home based provision, hospitals, social care settings and out of school environments.

The purpose of the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner is to work and interact directly with children on a day-to-day basis supporting the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes within the ethos of the setting. Learners should work as part of a professional team ensuring the welfare and care for children under the guidance and supervision of an Early Years Educator, teacher, or other suitably qualified professional the Early Years Workforce. 

 The learner is responsible for supporting child initiated and adult led activities based around the needs and interests of each individual child, supporting children’s learning through planned, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes, and working as part of a team to ensure each child feels safe and secure. They will also have a responsibility for ensuring that they recognise when a child is in danger and/or at risk of serious harm or abuse and contributing to the health and safety of the children, staff, and others on the premises. 

Learners without Level 1 English and maths will need to achieve this and take the test for Level 2 English and maths prior to completion of their Apprenticeship.