Level 2 Diploma in Early Years Practitioner
Mode of study | Vocational Full-time |
Duration | 1 Year |
Campus | London Road Campus |
Start date | 2 September 2024 |
Course code | FLR2EYE (2425) |
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Who is it for?
This Level 2 course provides you with an exciting opportunity to begin your career in the early years sector. You will gain the knowledge and skills needed to care for and work with babies and young children from 0-7 years of age, with practical experience in the early years (0-5 years). You’ll study in dedicated Early Years classrooms and be guided through the course by experienced teachers.
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Entry Requirements
At least 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or above (including English) and GCSE Maths at Grade 3 or above, or a Level 1 qualification in Health & Social Care or Childcare.
Safeguarding you as students and the children you will be caring for on work placement is extremely important, you are requiried to bring 3 pieces of ID on enrolment, so you can complete a DBS check.
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What does the course involve?
This Level 2 course provides you with an exciting opportunity to begin your career in the Early Years sector. You will gain the knowledge and skills for caring for and working with babies and young children from 0-7 years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0-5 years. You’ll study in dedicated childcare classrooms and be guided through the course by expert and experienced teachers.
You will spend three days of the week achieving 14 units which cover:
- Child development
- Play
- Safeguarding
- Health & well-being
- Behaviour
- Special educational needs and disability
- Partnership working.
You will undertake a work placement two days per week in an Early Years setting (250 hours). Through your work placement, the knowledge and skills you have built up during your time in the classroom can be put into practice every week, enhancing your learning and development.
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How is the course assessed?
This course involves a range of assessment approaches. Across the 14 units of the course, you will be assessed through essays, reports, reflective accounts, presentations, activity plans, displays, placement observations and more.
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How much does it cost?
The full time programme is free. If you are over 19 years please speak to Admissions.
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Additional Notes
There are opportunities to continue studying English and Maths as part of your timetable to achieve a Grade 4 or above to aid your progression onto Level 3 and enhance your employment prospects.
• Guest speakers
• Forest School activities
• Trips and Visits
• Celebrating current events such as World Book Day.This qualification enables you to be employed as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner. Other employment opportunities that are open to you include teaching assistant, nanny, family support worker, play worker, and children’s holiday representative.
You could also progress to other qualifications such as the T Level in Education and Early Years and Level 3 apprenticeships.
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Further Information
There are opportunities to continue studying English and Maths as part of your timetable to achieve a grade 4 or above to aid your progression onto Level 3 and enhance your employment prospects. There will be work placements of a minimum of two days a week and block placements during your study.
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What do I do next?
You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 342346 or email admissions@scg.ac.uk

Libby Barrett
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Previous school: Meole Brace School
After looking around other colleges and the other campuses, Childcare and Education at London Road Campus was my favourite option. I have always enjoyed being around children and after College I will be working at Opportunity Pre-School. On this course I’ve learnt strategies to manage my work, coursework and personal life. Being allowed to do practical placements is really useful and it’s great to work with current practitioners in a current situation.

Lauren Davies
Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education
Previous school: MShrewsbury Academy
You get loads of placement and work experience opportunities on this course – with two days a week for the whole year. I do mine at Shrewsbury Cathedral Nursery. It is a very rewarding course and gives you a great head-start with your future career, with so many job options available once you’ve completed College. The teachers are helpful and supportive, with College and personal issues. I hope to go to university to get my PGCE so that I can eventually be a primary school teacher.
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