The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to7 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.

This qualification is ideal for learners looking to work with children between birth and 5 years, and gain knowledge of working with children up to 7 years. Learners do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification.

Learners must be aged 16 or over. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

To gain this qualification, learners must achieve a total of 37 credits from all 14 mandatory units.

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge based outcomes can be assessed using non–mandatory assessment tasks provided for tutors’ convenience in this specification. Skills based outcomes must be achieved with reference to a real work environment and must include direct observation within the workplace.

To gain this qualification, learners must achieve a total of 37 credits from all 14 mandatory units.

This qualification will take approximately 12 months to complete.

Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement to show competence in both knowledge and skills. We recommend learners complete 250 placement hours whilst undertaking this qualification.

Placement opportunity must allow for skills application with babies and young children sufficient to meet the assessment criteria for the qualification.

This qualification allows progression on to the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications and other relevant Level 3 qualifications relating to early years and child care.

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.