Early Years Practitioner Level 2

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:

Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

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.