Early Years Practitioner Level 2

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

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

Learning will be built around the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) set out in the apprenticeship standard.

Behaviours

• Care and compassion.
• Being team-focused.
• Honesty, trust, and integrity.
• Commitment.
• Working in a non-discriminatory way.
• Ensuring working practices take into account fundamental British values.

Knowledge and Understanding

• Expected patterns of development and the importance of holistic development.
• The significance of attachment and how to promote this.
• Theories and philosophical approaches to how children learn and develop.
• The transitions children experience and how these can affect them.
• Promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Phonics, early literacy, and mathematics.
• The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Supporting children with additional learning needs.
• Continuing professional development.
• Relevant legislation.
• Health and well-being.
• Managing accidents, injuries, and emergencies.
• Safeguarding and child protection.
• Infection prevention and control.

Skills

• Explain how children develop.
• Promote equality and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Plan and lead activities that support learning and development.
• Provide appropriate learning experiences and environments.
• Encourage children to participate while promoting their independence.
• Extend children’s learning and thinking.
• Support speech, language, and communication development.
• Support children’s group learning and socialisation.
• Model and promote positive behaviour.
• Meet additional needs where identified.
• Observe and monitor children, identifying their needs, interests, and stages of development.
• Work in partnership with parents, key persons, and colleagues.
• Communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally.
• Plan and carry out age-appropriate physical care routines.
• Promote healthy lifestyles.
• Undertake tasks to prevent and control infection.
• Carry out risk assessments and apply risk management techniques.
• Maintain accurate records and reports.
• Identify and act upon responsibilities in relation to health and safety, security, confidentiality, and safeguarding.

• Hands-on experience from day one – you’ll be working directly with children in real settings (nurseries, playgroups, reception classes), so you build practical skills as you learn.
• Recognised qualification and career entry – gain a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner qualification, which is the standard for working with children aged 0–5.
• Support children’s development – you’ll play a key role in children’s learning, care and wellbeing. You'll make a positive difference every day while learning about child development.
• Gateway to advanced roles – completing this apprenticeship positions you to move into more senior early years roles (for example early years educator) or further qualifications in education.

A blend of on-the-job and academic learning

Most learning is on-the-job, guided by your employer and Instructor-Mentor. You will attend Buxton Campus every 6-8 weeks and receive regular workplace visits from your Instructor-Mentor for observations, professional discussions, and progress reviews.

How you are assessed

The Apprenticeship Assessment is the final stage of every apprenticeship. It checks overall competence, not just individual tasks, and gives apprentices the chance to demonstrate the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) they have developed. For this apprenticeship, there are two elements: an observation in the workplace by an independent assessor, followed by questions and a professional discussion based on the portfolio of evidence submitted by the apprentice, which is collated throughout the apprenticeship. 

We require learners to have a minimum of four Grade 4 or above GCSEs, including Maths and English. 

Additionally;

• You will need to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check as part of the application. Applicants will be supported to complete this.
• You must have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for at least the past three years.
• As this is an apprenticeship, you will also require suitable employment to undertake the programme.

Apprenticeships are funded by either the employer or the government; apprentices do not pay for their training.

Contact us

FE & Skills Apprenticeship Team

• Email: feapprenticeships@derby.ac.uk
• Phone: 0800 074 0099