Perfect for beginners looking to start a career in childcare
The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is a nationally recognised qualification. This programme is ideal for anyone with little or no prior experience in childcare. Whether you’re new to the sector or already working in a support role, this course will give you the knowledge and practical skills you need to thrive.
✅ The Details
Qualification: Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
Duration: 12 months plus 3 months End Point Assessment (EPA)
Delivery: One-to-one in the workplace, with optional online sessions
Workplace support: Your designated Assessor will visit you to support portfolio development and complete quarterly reviews
Assessment: An End Point Assessment (EPA) will review your knowledge, skills, and behaviours following your period of learning
✅ Who is it for?
- Individuals starting out in childcare
- Staff looking to formalise their early years skills
- Those passionate about working with children aged 0–5
✅ What you’ll learn
You’ll gain a strong foundation in childcare through a mix of classroom learning and on-the-job training. Topics include:
- Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- The role of communication in early years settings
- Meeting physical care needs and routines for babies and children
- Promoting nutrition and hydration
- Understanding safeguarding, protection and welfare
- Encouraging equality, diversity and inclusive practice
- Supporting purposeful play and educational activities
- Health and safety in early years environments
- Partnership working with families and professionals
- Supporting child development and school readiness
✅ Entry requirements
- No formal qualifications needed to start this Apprenticeship
- Must have basic literacy and numeracy skills (Level 1 or equivalent GCSEs)
- A confirmed placement in a preschool, early years setting, or reception class
- Access to a computer and internet
- Commitment to complete the full apprenticeship
✅ Common job roles include:
- Early Years Practitioner
- Nursery Assistant
- Childcare Support Worker
This apprenticeship helps you apply what you learn directly to your workplace responsibilities, giving you real-world experience and growing your confidence.
✅ Progression Opportunities
Once you complete your Level 2 Apprenticeship, you can continue your development with:
This next step allows you to take on more responsibility, planning and delivering activities that support children’s learning and development.
✅ Costs
- This is a government-funded initiative: Apprentices are not required to pay for their training
- Employers with a wage bill of under £3 million may need to make a 5% contribution towards training costs
- The cost of this Apprenticeship is set at £4,000, with an employer contribution rate of £200 + VAT
- Employers recruiting an Apprentice aged 16–21 years old, will be exempt from paying the employer contribution
- If the Apprentice is aged 16–18 years old, employers will receive a £1,000 government incentive to be used towards training and salary costs
Visit this page to find out more about employer costs and responsibilities.
✅ Ready to Apply?
Click here to visit the contact page and get in touch with a Focus Training centre near you