Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time, Day
What You Will Study
The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner has been designed to support learners as they develop their knowledge, understanding and skills when caring for and supporting the learning and development of children aged 0-11 years 11 months. Learners will cover a range of units including child development, play and learning, legislation and nutrition.
This is a two-year course where you will study not only the diploma, but also study additional professional qualifications, including safeguarding, basic food hygiene and paediatric first aid. You will have the time to learn the theories and practise the practical application of becoming an early years practitioner. At the end of the course you will have achieved the competencies required to be included in ratio.
If you are yet to achieve a grade 4 in English Language and Maths, this will also be a compulsory part of your course.
Why Choose Paston College?
Excellent progression
100% of our students progress to university, employment, apprenticeships, or gap years
Developed with employers
Our career focused courses have been developed with employers, to ensure you'll be equipped with the skills needed for the modern workplace
Learning opportunities
To enhance your studies, we offer a variety of opportunities for you to meet new people, and enhance your UCAS personal statement or CV by getting involved in something rewarding
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English Language and Maths
Attend a taster/introduction day
Demonstrate an ability and aptitude for working with children aged 0 to 11 years and 11 months in any setting
Provide two positive references
Successful completion of a Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) check
How You Will Be Assessed
All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge based outcomes can be assessed using a range of assessment tasks, such as assignments, presentations and workbooks.
Skills based outcomes must be achieved with reference to a real work environment and must include direct observation within the workplace.
Course Progression
This qualification allows progression on to the T Level Early Years Educator qualifications (if funding permits) and other relevant Level 3 qualifications relating to early years and child care or health and social care.
Where Your Course Can Take You
This qualification allows a learner to count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner across the Early Years Workforce.
Learners may work in a variety of roles such as:
nursery practitioner
classroom assistant
pre-school practitioner.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
