Early Years Practitioner Diploma Level 2

Step 1: Apply

Step 2: Interviews and taster events

As part of your application you will be invited to book an interview, to discuss your chosen course, where you will meet with an academic tutor from your chosen area of study for an informal discussion about your course choices, to ensure you have chosen the best course for your future ambitions.

This will give you the opportunity to ask questions and discuss anything about the course that you are unsure about. Please ensure you check your confirmation email for full details, so you do not miss your appointment.

You are initially only able to book an interview for your first choice course, please let us know if you would subsequently like to be able to book interviews for other courses by emailing admissions@paston.ac.uk

Step 3: Offer

This stage provides you with an outcome of your recent interview, which will confirm if you have been made an offer of a place on your chosen course.

All offers are provisional until the point of enrolment and most of our course offers are conditional, meaning there is entry criteria you need to meet before enrolling. This will be outlined in your offer letter.

Sometimes we are unable to offer you a place on your chosen course. If this happens the reasons will be discussed with you at your appointment and we will look at alternative options with you. We will be in contact to confirm the outcome and what to do next. We also have a team of specialist Course Advisers who are more than happy to look at alternative options with you and answer any questions you may have.

Step 4: Enrolment

Enrolment is the final stage before starting your course with us and takes place within the last two weeks of August. We require you to be available to attend your appointment in person at college, so we can complete all the required steps to enrolling you on your chosen course.

We may ask you to bring some documents with you so please read your enrolment invitation carefully.

The level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner has been designed to support learners as they develop their knowledge, understanding and skills when caring for and supporting the learning and development of children aged 0-11 years 11 months. Learners will cover a range of units including child development, play and learning, legislation and nutrition.

This is a two-year course where you will study not only the diploma, but also study additional professional qualifications, including safeguarding, basic food hygiene and paediatric first aid. You will have the time to learn the theories and practise the practical application of becoming an early years practitioner. At the end of the course you will have achieved the competencies required to be included in ratio.

If you are yet to achieve a grade 4 in English Language and Maths, this will also be a compulsory part of your course.

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge based outcomes can be assessed using a range of assessment tasks, such as assignments, presentations and workbooks.

Skills based outcomes must be achieved with reference to a real work environment and must include direct observation within the workplace.

4 GCSE's at grade 3 or above, including English Language and Maths

Demonstrate an ability and aptitude for working with children aged 0 to 11 years and 11 months in any setting

Complete associated diagnostic tasks

Provide two positive references

Successful completion of a Disclosure Baring Service (DBS) check

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

This qualification allows a learner to count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner across the Early Years Workforce.

Learners may work under supervision in a variety of roles such as:

Nursery practitioner

Classroom assistant

Pre-school practitioner