Childcare Diploma level 2

The level 2 qualification in childcare is the first step in starting an early years career. Lasting one academic year, it forms the perfect basis to either enter the workforce or progress higher and undertake the T level. This skills taught on the course prepares you to work with children of ages from birth to five years old, whilst providing you with knowledge of children of up to seven years old. This course teaches you the building blocks of caring for children and young people and offers the chance to go a little bit deeper too. There is a strong emphasis on building the necessary skills to work in the early years profession. This will not just happen in the classroom but also our specially designed training nursery. This will help prepare you before you go out into the workplace for work experience later in the year. Because you are aged 16 to 18, you will be enrolled on a study programme. This will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths if you haven't already achieved a grade 4 or above. You will take part in activities that help you to develop your personal skills, such as building your character and confidence. This will help you to live well and move into your chosen career. All students are expected to undertake relevant work experience as part of this course. For the Level 2, the amounts to a minimum of 100hrs. We have a dedicated placement coordinator who will support anyone who cannot find their own placement.

You will study core elements in relation to caring for children and young people, including: 1. An introduction to the role of the early years practitioner 2. How to work in partnership 3. Understanding safeguarding legislation 4. Protection and welfare of children 5. How to plan and meet the needs of the developing child 6. Supporting children�s play (including in early years) 7. Supporting the needs of the child in preparing for school 8. Supporting children�s development using observation, assessment, and planning 9. Support children�s positive behaviour 10. Supporting children with additional needs You will study core elements in relation to caring for children and young people, including: 1. An introduction to the role of the early years practitioner 2. How to work in partnership 3. Understanding safeguarding legislation 4. Protection and welfare of children 5. How to plan and meet the needs of the developing child 6. Supporting children�s play (including in early years) 7. Supporting the needs of the child in preparing for school 8. Supporting children�s development using observation, assessment, and planning 9. Support children�s positive behaviour 10. Supporting children with additional needs

Assessment is completed via coursework and workplace assessments of competency, totalling a minimum of 100 hours. However, if you want to progress to the level 3 T level, we would expect you to exceed this minimum quite a bit. The placement timetable will offer you the chance to do this. All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods such as direct observation within the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, and written assignments or a task. You will need to evidence in your work that your skills and understanding are sufficient to pass each unit or achieve the higher grades. There are no traditional exams, but you will be assessed in the workplace on a number of visits throughout the year which we will plan with you prior to the visit and you must be assessed as competent in all areas in order to pass.

Direct entry requires four GCSEs including both English Language and maths at grade 3 or above is required. Consideration will be given to all applicants over the age of 19, who do not hold formal English and maths qualifications. You will also be required to complete a work experience placement and go through the DBS checking service to demonstrate you do not have a criminal record.

This level 2 qualification introducing early years educator is accepted by employers as an entry into the workplace as a nursery assistant. You could also progress onto an apprenticeship or onto the T level in Early Years, providing you achieve GCSE's in maths and English at grade 4 or functional skills level 2.