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Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Course Overview

This qualification gives Learners the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, including child development, health and safety, safeguarding, equality and diversity, SEN, play, behaviour and physical needs, with applied knowledge across the 0-5 age range. It also helps prepare Learners for core modules on the Level 3 T Level: Education.

The qualification meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 2 full and relevant criteria for an Early Years Practitioner, and allows a Learner to count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified practitioner in the Early Years workforce.

This qualification is for people already working or volunteering in an Early Years setting, in roles such as nursery practitioner, classroom assistant or pre-school practitioner.

Assessment Process

Learners are assessed by a vocationally competent assessor, who supports and helps them gather a portfolio of evidence using a range of methods. To achieve the qualification, Learners must gain 37 credits across all 14 mandatory units, complete a work placement, and show progression in study skills, English and maths. The course is delivered on site at our Cambridge campus, combining taught knowledge with practical observations carried out in the workplace. All resources are available on our virtual learning environment (VLE), and portfolios are managed through the Smart Assessor electronic system.

Progression Courses

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

Eligibility Criteria

This is a guide to the eligibility criteria for our funded courses. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.

  • Learners must be aged 19 or over.
  • Learners must live in West Sussex, London, Surrey or Buckinghamshire.
  • Learners who are unemployed may also be eligible for full funding.
  • Learners must meet the relevant UK residency requirements for the duration of the course.
  • Learners must not be on a Skilled Worker visa, Sponsorship visa or Graduate visa.

If employed, learners must meet the relevant earnings threshold for their area and course level:

  • London: £28,860 per year or less.
  • Surrey and West Sussex: £26,800 per year or less.
  • Buckinghamshire Level 2: £26,800 per year or less.
  • Buckinghamshire Level 3: £31,427 per year or less.

Eligibility is subject to individual circumstances and will be confirmed as part of the enrolment process.