The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner gives you knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, including child development, health and safety, safeguarding and SEN. It’s for people already working or volunteering in an Early Years setting, such as a nursery practitioner or classroom assistant. It meets the DfE’s Level 2 full and relevant criteria, so you count towards the ratio as a qualified practitioner.
You combine taught knowledge with practical observations carried out in your workplace. A vocationally competent assessor supports you to build a portfolio of evidence using a range of methods. To achieve the qualification, you’ll earn 37 credits across all 14 mandatory units, complete a work placement, and show progress in study skills, English and maths. All your resources are on our virtual learning environment (VLE), and your portfolio is managed on the Smart Assessor electronic system.
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.
If employed, learners must meet the relevant earnings threshold for their area and course level:
Eligibility is subject to individual circumstances and will be confirmed as part of the enrolment process.
The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is a nationally recognised qualification meeting the Department for Education's full and relevant criteria for an Early Years Practitioner. It covers child development, health and safety, safeguarding, equality and diversity, SEN, play, behaviour, and physical needs across the birth to seven age range.
The qualification is designed for individuals already working or volunteering in an early years setting, including nursery practitioners, classroom assistants, and preschool practitioners. Learners must be aged 19 or over and live in London, Surrey, West Sussex, or Buckinghamshire.
The course is fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund for eligible learners living in London, Surrey, West Sussex, or Buckinghamshire. Earnings thresholds apply depending on location, ranging from £26,800 per year in Surrey and West Sussex to £28,860 per year in London. All funding is subject to residency and eligibility checks at enrolment.
The qualification is delivered through a combination of taught sessions and practical workplace observations, with all resources available through a virtual learning environment. Learners must complete 37 credits across 14 mandatory units, a work placement, and demonstrate progression in English and maths, with portfolios managed through the Smart Assessor system.
The qualification allows holders to count towards the Level 2 staff to child ratio as a qualified practitioner in the early years workforce. It also provides a direct progression route onto the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification and other relevant Level 3 childcare and early years qualifications.
