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Home > Courses > Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Course Code

Early Years Practitioner

Course Type

School Leaver Course

Course Duration

1 year

Location

Central Campus

Start Date

1 September, 2025

This Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner course is for people who want to work with children or who already work in this area.

The aim of this qualification is to prepare learners to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0-5 years. Once learners have completed this course they will receive a licence to practice at Level 2. Learners will need to be on a practical placement to show competence in both knowledge and skills. Learners will complete 250 placement hours whilst doing this qualification. We can help with finding this placement for students.

The course covers a diverse range of job roles and occupational areas including early years and social care, so you’ll develop the skills you need for your career.

You’ll need GCSE Maths and English at Grade 3/D or above.

We interview all applicants to make sure the course is right for them.

You’ll also need a DBS check to complete work placements as part of your course which we help with.

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is designed for individuals passionate about working with young children and seeking to establish a solid foundation in early years education and care. This qualification equips learners with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to support the development and well-being of children from birth to 5 years, with an understanding of children up to 7 years old.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

Individuals aged 16 and over who aspire to work in early years settings such as nurseries, preschools, or as classroom assistants.
Those without prior experience in childcare but with a keen interest in supporting young children’s learning and development.

Modules studied:

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 Well-Being 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

Educational visits:

The Black Country Living Museum (Victorian schoolroom experience)
Forest School session (outdoor learning)
Universities
Library study sessions
Fab Lab sessions

Other enrichment activities:

Cinema trips
Ice skating
Roller skating
Cadbury World
Theme parks

Links to employers:

At Sandwell College, we work closely with a range of respected employers to help prepare you for the world of work. Through our industry connections, you’ll gain valuable insights and experience that reflect real workplace expectations.

Some of the employers we work with include:

Eton Valley Primary School
Holly Head Academy School
Victoria Park Academy School
Little Steppers Pre School
St Albans Pre-school

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods.

Knowledge is assessed through a portfolio of evidence including posters, presentations, leaflets and assignments.

Skills will be assessed in a real work environment and must include direct observation and professional discussion while on placement.

Employment as an Early Years Practitioner in a school
Employment as an Early Years Practitioner in a day nursery
T level Education and Early Years
Apprenticeship

Course Details

Qualification

Level 2

Exam Board

CACHE

Study Mode

Full Time

Department

Childcare Courses

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