Childcare (Early Years Practitioner) - Level 2 Diploma

This course will give you the opportunity to apply your knowledge directly to children in the early years (0-5 years). You will gain skills in communication, teamwork, following procedures, recording of child observations and planning activities through a work placement.

Topics covered can include:

• Introduction to Communication
• Introduction to Equality and Inclusion
• Safeguarding the Welfare of Children and Young People
• Supporting Positive Behaviour
• Paediatric Emergency First Aid

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English Language and Maths
• Two weeks of work experience, working with children under 8
• An Enhanced DBS check
• A reference from your previous school/college

All applicants must have an interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

You will be assessed by written coursework, by an observation of your methods in the workplace and by a task set by the examining board (CACHE).

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

On completion of this course, progression to a Level 3 Diploma or apprenticeship, will provide you with a broader knowledge of the industry. You are also able to apply for employment in a variety of environments including nurseries and pre-schools, in jobs such as nursery assistant or classroom assistant.

This course will help you develop your skills as an Early Years Practitioner. As part of your qualification you will gain experience in a range of early years settings, where you will be visited by our assessors who will carry out observations to show you have gained the skills required.

Topics covered can include:

• Roles and responsibilities of the early years practitioner
• 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 programmes
• Promote play in an early years setting
• Support wellbeing of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
• 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

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English Language or a relevant Level 1 qualification (including English and Maths at Entry Level 3 or above)
• Evidence of two weeks work experience with children under eight
• Enhanced DBS Check - we are able to advise you on how to apply for this, but you must pay for this in advance of work placements

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The course is assessed throughout the year and with an end-of-course portfolio.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

Upon successful completion of this course, you can enter the workforce as a qualified Early Years Practitioner or continue to study for a Level 3 qualification.