Start Your Career in Childcare with a Level 2 Early Years Diploma
Are you passionate about working with children? The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is the perfect starting point for those who want to begin a fulfilling and rewarding career in childcare.
This nationally recognised childcare qualification allows you to work with children from birth to 5 years old, while gaining insight into development up to age 7. Whether you’re new to childcare or looking to formalise your skills, this apprenticeship gives you the confidence and training to make a real difference.
No previous experience is required — just a genuine interest in supporting young children’s growth and development.
✅ What Does an Early Years Practitioner Do?
As a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, you will:
- Support children’s social, emotional and physical development
- Promote communication, language and early literacy skills
- Encourage imaginative learning and independence
- Assist in planning engaging and purposeful play activities
- Help implement routines that support healthy development
You’ll be part of a team helping children explore the world around them — all while developing the foundations for their future learning.
Course Overview
- Duration: 12 months + 3-month End Point Assessment (EPA)
- Delivery: One-to-one in the workplace, with online sessions available
- Qualification: Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
- Start Date: Roll-on, roll-off — start any time
Cost & Funding
- Total Cost: £4,000
- Employer Contribution: £200 + VAT
💡 Funding support available:
- Employers with fewer than 50 staff hiring apprentices aged 16–21 may receive full government funding
- Employers hiring 16–18-year-olds are eligible for a £1,000 government incentive
👉 See official funding guidance
✅ What You’ll Learn
Throughout the apprenticeship, you’ll complete a range of essential childcare units, including:
- 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
To enrol, you must:
- Be aged 16 or above
- Have a confirmed placement in a preschool, early years setting, or reception class
- Have basic literacy and numeracy skills (Level 1 or equivalent GCSEs)
- Have access to a PC and internet
- Be committed to completing the full apprenticeship
- Have a genuine interest in working with young children
Support During Your Apprenticeship
- Assessor/Trainer: Stacey Matthias
- Group Quality Manager: Michelle Pointer
- Delivery: In-person workplace visits and optional online learning sessions
- Progress Tracking: Using our online portfolio system, OneFile
- Quarterly Reviews: Scheduled check-ins to keep you on track
End Point Assessment (EPA)
Your final assessment includes:
- Observation of Practice in your setting
- Professional Discussion based on your portfolio
Grading:
- Must pass both EPA elements
- Distinction awarded for scoring at least 21 out of 27 in the professional discussion
✅ Progression Opportunities
Once you’ve completed your Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner, you’ll be ready to take the next step in your childcare career.
You can progress to:
🔗 Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship
This advanced apprenticeship allows you to take on more responsibility in planning, delivering, and assessing activities that support children’s learning and development.
Develop your skills further and move towards supervisory or room leader roles in nursery or early years settings.
✅ Take the First Step Today
This diploma gives you the foundation to grow in your childcare career and progress to further qualifications like the Level 3 Early Years Educator.
📞 Call: 01752 348980
📧 Email: enquiries@thefocustraininggroup.com
💬 WhatsApp: 07516 276671
🌐 Visit: www.thefocustraininggroup.com