Level 2 Diploma Early Years Practitioner

You must hold four GCSEs at grade 3 or above.

You will meet with a course tutor to discuss the course. Please bring evidence of any relevant qualifications or your predicted grades.

The aim of this early years qualification is to provide you with a knowledge and understanding of babies and young children, from birth to seven years of age. You will also gain an applied knowledge for early years (0–5 years).You will gain an in-depth understanding of how to support a child's development and the roles and responsibilities of an Early Years Practitioner.

• Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner.
• Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years.
• Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in early years.
• Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in early years settings.
• Understand how to support children’s development.
• Support care routines for babies and young children.
• Support the planning and delivery of activities.
• Promote play in an early years setting.
• Support the well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles.
• Support babies and young children to be physically active.
• Support the needs of babies and young children with special educational needs and disability.
• Promote positive behaviour in the early years setting.
• Partnership working in the early years.
• Support the needs of the child in preparing for school.

You will have access to a wide variety of resources and course related materials in class and via on our online virtual learning environment.Your study programme will include preparation for employment and an expectation to complete relevant work experience and independent study.You will complete 14 assignments - your work placement will fulfil some of the criteria.

We work closely with a variety of early years settings across the region - this helps us to provide a fantastic learning experience, and help to source relevant work placements.

You are required to be working, volunteering or on practical placement to show competence in both knowledge and skills. We recommend you complete 250 placement hours whilst undertaking this qualification. Your chosen placement must allow for sufficient skills application with babies and young children to meet the assessment criteria for the qualification.You will always perform to the best of your ability and conduct yourself in a professional manner as if an employee of your placement organisation.

You could progress to Level 3, a relevant T-Level or an apprenticeship at New College Durham.Typical job roles include:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Teaching Assistant
• Childminder
• Nursing
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Social Work.