Level 2 Occupational Certificate: Early Years Practitioner

Before you submit your application

Before submitting your application to Wilberforce Sixth Form College, please make sure you have included the following information:

Personal details – including your home address, personal email address (not a school email), contact number and current school.

Next of Kin details - please add parent/guardian contact details including email address.

Predicted grades – please include a full list of all your predicted grades.

What happens after you apply?

Once you have submitted your application, we will contact you using the personal email address provided.

If you decide you would like to change your course choices, there is no need to submit a new application. You can discuss and change your choices at your interview.

You only need to attend one interview, even if you would like to change your course choices or are interested in studying multiple courses.

If you have any questions or need any help with your application, please contact liaison@wilberforce.ac.uk.

This employment-focused Level 2 programme will prepare you for supervised work with babies and young children in early years settings. It combines classroom learning with substantial practical experience and is designed to develop the knowledge, behaviours and occupational competence required by the modern early years’ workforce.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

You will learn how to support the care, learning and development of children from birth to five years, with knowledge extending to age seven. Your studies will include child development, safeguarding, health and safety, food hygiene, care routines, communication, inclusive practice and purposeful play. You will apply your learning in an early year’s workplace and build a portfolio of evidence through practical observations and written tasks.

This course is aimed at students who enjoy working with babies and young children and want a practical route into early years employment or an apprenticeship. It is suited to caring, reliable and responsible learners who are willing to work as part of a team and meet professional expectations in a childcare setting.

Four GCSEs at grades 3–9, including English Language and Mathematics. You will need a genuine interest in early years practice and must be able to meet the professional standards expected in placement. A satisfactory Enhanced DBS check will be required before placement begins. Final entry requirements will be confirmed following approval of the qualification specification.

EXPERIENCES

You will complete a substantial placement in a real early years setting, gaining experience of supporting children's care, routines, play and learning. You will practise professional communication, safeguarding procedures, teamwork, activity planning and maintaining safe, inclusive environments. Tutors will observe your practical skills and help you develop the behaviours expected by employers.

PROGRESSION

Successful completion can support progression into an early years apprenticeship, employment in a supervised assistant role, or further Level 3 study, including relevant emerging V Level pathways where entry requirements are met.

OUTCOMES

On completion, you will have developed the practical competence and underpinning knowledge needed to work under supervision as an Assistant Early Years Practitioner, Assistant Nursery Nurse or Pre-School Practitioner. Subject to final DfE approval, the qualification is intended to meet the requirements for recognition within early years staffing ratios.