Level 2 Extended Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner (Diploma)

Course Code: P291944

Key Information

  • Course type:

    Vocational

  • Campus:

    Highbury Campus

  • Start Date:

    08 Sept 2025

  • Duration:

    1 year

  • Attendance:

    Full-time

  • Fees:

    Free

Two happy early years students training with baby mannequin

This course is suitable for those aged from 16 years and have an interest in working with children between birth and seven years 11 months.

You will develop an understanding of a broad range of issues relevant to the sector, including:

  • EYP M0 Principles of professional practice
  • EYP M1 Roles and responsibilities of the early years practitioner
  • EYP M2 Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years
  • EYP M3 Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in Early Years Settings 
  • EYP M4 Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in Early Years Settings
  • EYP M5 Understand how to support children’s development 
  • EYP M6 Support care routines for babies and young children 
  • EYP M7 Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes
  • EYP M8 Promote play in an Early Years Setting 
  • EYP M9 Support wellbeing of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles 
  • EYP M10 Support babies and young children to be physically active 
  • EYP M11 Support the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
  • EYP M12 Promote positive behaviour in Early Years Settings
  • EYP M13 Partnership working in the early years 
  • EYP M14 Support the needs of the child in preparing for school

 You will also complete a further two or three optional units.

On completion you will gain a Level 2 licence to practice in the Early Years Sector.

You will have the opportunity to attend enrichment sessions and use the onsite virtual nursery and sensory room. You will enjoy regular professional visits and take part in events with the onsite nursery giving you the extra skills and knowledge in your chosen field.

This course includes mandatory 250 hours' work placement within the Early Years and Education sector.

You will need five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including maths and English.

To give you the best possible chance of successfully completing your qualification, 100% attendance is expected for the duration of the course. Maths, English, industry placements, tutorials and employability sessions all form part of the overall qualification and non-attendance to any of these sessions may result in the overall qualification not being achieved. Continued non-attendance to any timetabled sessions may result in losing your place on the course.

Throughout your Level 2 programme you will be assessed in the following ways:

  • Written assessments including: presentations, assignments, work products – posters, displays, leaflets
  • Vocational assessments including: observations, witness statements, professional discussions

School Leavers under the age of 19 do not have to pay fees on any full time courses, though may have to pay for their second year if turning 19 during their studies. If you’re aged 19 or over you might qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. It’s easy to apply for and you won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £25,000. If you are studying a part-time course and you receive one of the following benefits, or you depend financially on someone who does, you may be entitled to have your tuition fees waived: Job Seekers Allowance, Income Support. You will, however, have to pay any awarding body/assessment fees (unless you are on a first full level 2 course). * If you are in receipt of Working Tax Credit or receive other allowances, you may be eligible to claim concessionary rates. If you are entitled to a fee concession you will be asked to provide proof of your entitlement. It is essential that you inform us if your entitlement changes at any time during your course.

On completion of this course and the accompanying GCSEs in maths and English, you will be able to progress to the T Level 3 Early Years and Education, a traineeship, apprenticeship or employment as an Early Years Assistant.

Related Features

Copyright 2025 © City of Portsmouth College | Site by Lake Solutions