Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner Level 2 NCFE

When & Where

15 September 2025 - 19 June 2026 ( 315 hours, 35 weeks )
Morning, Afternoon, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday
View course timetable
North Kensington Centre

Quick Facts

Availability Yes
Tutor Multiple
Course Code K25ESWA06A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

The aim of this qualification is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to seven 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 be introduced to all aspects of early years practice from keeping children safe to legislation and theoretical perspectives. Upon successful completion of this qualification, you can enter the workforce as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner or continue to study for a Level 3 Diploma holding Early Years Educator status. You will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement to show competence in both knowledge and skills for 250 hours over the course of the year. Placement opportunities must allow for sufficient skills application with babies and young children to meet the assessment criteria for the qualification.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

This qualification will provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to seven years, you will learn how to support children's development, safeguarding children, health and safety of young children etc
You will be able to work under supervision in a variety of roles such as nursery practitioner, classroom assistant and pre-school practitioner
You will be able to progress onto level 3 early years educator qualifications and other relevant level 3 qualifications

On successful completion of the course, you will achieve the following qualification: Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner [NCFE]

Class format and activities

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge-based outcomes will be assessed throughout the year. There are 12 assessed assignments. These could be an essay, report, or a presentation or piece of group work to practice what you are learning in the classroom. Skills-based outcomes must be achieved with reference to a real work environment and must include direct observation within the workplace.

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above including English and maths OR a Level 1 qualification in an appropriate subject area accompanied by a good reference for attitude, behaviour, attendance and punctuality. If you are under 19 years of age and do not have a Grade 4 in either/or maths and English, you will be required to retake these alongside your vocational course. An additional requirement is to pass a criminal record check (through the Disclosure and Barring Service). If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5/7, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests.

What you need to know before you enrol

The course runs from the beginning of September to the end of June and your timetable will normally be over three days a week. This may include a mixture of teaching in college and online. Excellent attendance and punctuality will be required to complete the course successfully. Please complete the Disclosure and Barring Service application for your progression. Work experience will form an essential part of your study programme. Start making enquiries local to you as soon as possible.

What you need

You should arrive to your lessons prepared to learn with pens, pencils and a writing pad. All other resources and materials you need will be provided. In the event of teaching moving online, you will need a computer with internet access for online lessons on a daily basis.

What you can do next

The course gives you a level 2 qualification which is an assistant role qualification. This means you can work in early years but must be supervised at all times. You may apply to progress to the Level 3 Early Years Educator which will qualify you to work in a supervisory role within a nursery.