Early Years Practitioner

Course Information

Introduction

For learners age 16-19 only

Do you dream of becoming a qualified early years practitioner? If so, this programme will help you launch your career. You will ensure a healthy, safe, and supportive learning environment. You will also support positive behaviour. A work placement is also built into this course providing you with valuable industry insight.

Overview

This Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification provides learners with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support the care, development, and learning of children from birth to 5 years, with understanding up to age 7. It combines classroom learning with real work placement experience, covering areas such as child development, safeguarding, health and safety, and supporting play and early learning. The course prepares learners for entry-level roles in early years settings and progression to Level 3 qualifications.

Who is this course for?

This programme of study is for the learners that have an interest in working with children under 5 years old. This is a one year course and qualifies learners as an Early Years Assistant Practitioner.

Course units/modules

Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner

• Promote play in an early years setting
• Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years
• Support the well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
• Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in early years settings
• Support babies and young children to be physically active
• Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in an early years setting.
• Support the needs of babies and young children with special educational needs and disability
• Understand how to support children’s development
• Promote positive behaviour in early years settings
• Support care routines for babies and young children
• Partnership working in the early years
• Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes
• Support the needs of the child in preparing for school

Benefits and skills

This qualification gives learners a strong foundation in child development from birth to 7 years, with a focus on supporting learning, health, and wellbeing in the early years. It develops practical skills such as observing children, planning activities, supporting play and learning, safeguarding, and working effectively with parents and colleagues.

The course covers key areas including child development, health and safety, safeguarding, equality and inclusion, and supporting early learning, alongside real workplace experience to build confidence and competence. Overall, it prepares learners for entry-level roles in early years settings and provides a clear pathway to further study.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above including English language and ideally maths

Available apprenticeships and progression options

Nursery practitioner, Classroom assistant, Pre-school practitioner.

Assessment types

For the Level 2 Diploma in EYP, you will study 14 units (listed below) including sessions on professional practice, to support you on work placement. You will also have weekly tutorial sessions, workshops and 1:1s with your coach. English and Maths GCSE classes will also be provided as required.