Level 2 in Working with Children in Early Years

This programme is designed to help you move toward a Level 3 qualification, which can lead to advanced jobs or apprenticeships.

You can finish with a Level 2 qualification and get a skilled job at the end of the course but progressing to Level 3 will give you more career choices and improve your future earning potential. It also opens doors to further studies, like Higher Education and Higher or Degree Apprenticeships. These can lead you from advanced technician or supervisor roles at Level 3 to management or professional status as you continue studying.

To join this programme, you’ll need the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grade 3, ideally including English and maths.

All assessments are designed to showcase your skills and ensure you’re ready for your next steps in Education and Early Years settings.

During your work placement, you’ll complete regular assessments for you to demonstrate your practical skills and to see how you get on working with children.

You will also create an e-portfolio of your work and take part in written assignments to showcase your understanding of theory knowledge.

After completing this Level 2 course, many students choose to progress onto further study in the Early Years sector.

Your options include joining our T Level, designed so you refine your skills, work towards higher-level roles within the industry and take part in an extended work placement.

You may also decide to begin an apprenticeship or step straight into an entry-level job. This can be in roles such as a nursery practitioner, classroom assistant or pre-school practitioner.

There are no fees for this course if you are under 18.

If you are aged 19 or above, please contact us for more information about fees and funding.

Throughout your time at College, you’ll take part in meaningful social action projects that support your personal development and professional skills, while also making a positive impact within the local community.

As an example, Early Years students have previously hosted an intergenerational event on campus. The event saw nursery children join seniors from local residential homes, to take part in a variety of activities to help with creativity and maths.

There are also a range of trips designed to support your learning and help you prepare for further study, apprenticeships, or employment within Education and Early Years.

To gain recognition for your abilities, you can even enter national and international competitions to showcase your skills, including WorldSkills Competitions and KFE4Skills.

A place on the course is subject to an interview and a DBS check.

Depending on the qualifications you hold upon enrolment, you may be advised to study this qualification over one or two years. This will be thoroughly discussed at interview to ensure that you are on the most appropriate programme of study.