Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner 2025-26

The course is designed 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.
The qualification content meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 2 full and relevant criteria for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the workforce.

You will cover a range of topics across 14 mandatory units, including: promoting positive behaviour, special educational needs, communication, and safeguarding.

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 under supervision in a variety of roles such as:

• Nursery practitioner
• Classroom assistant
• Pre-school practitioner

On successful completion of the course you may progress from this Level 2 qualification to NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Certificate in Childcare and Education, if you choose to explore a role in childcare.

Alternatively, you may choose NCFE Cache Level 3 Technical Certificate in Health and Social care if you are interested in working within the adult care sector.

You may also progress to work in the sector as an Early Years Practitioner.

Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the potential to act independently and safely; therefore all candidates must be interviewed, supply references and receive a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring service check).

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 posters, essays and group presentations.
Skills based outcomes must be achieved with reference to a real work environment and must include direct observation within the workplace.

September 2025.

1 Year - Full Time.