Early Years & Primary Settings

In this course you will specialise in early years and primary settings with a combination of practical and theory-based topics to give you a range of skills required for working in the industry.

It will prepare you to work with children between birth and eleven years. During the second year you will complete a work placement of a minimum of 120 hours giving you excellent first-hand experience of working in the childcare industry.

On this course you will follow a full-time Study Programme made up of the following four compulsory elements to best prepare you for progression to employment, apprenticeships, further study or applying to university:

• The main subject qualification
• Work experience for a minimum of 37 hours or, on some courses, up to 50 days over an academic year. You will be expected to find placements by researching companies, contacting employers and speaking with college staff. 
• English and maths where students have not yet achieved GCSE grade 4 or above in these subjects
• Additional enhancing activities such as tutorials and work-related learning, including careers fairs, site visits and guest speakers, to help further develop the personal skills relevant to your progression goals

The Early Years & Primary Settings Level 2 Qualification

• Child development from birth to 11 years
• Play and learning
• Nutrition
• Physical development and activity
• Exploring legislation
• Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children
• Role of the practitioner

Trips, visits and activities

As part of the course you will also take part in industry trips and activities including networking events, visits and guest lectures. Previous events have included:

• Industry networking opportunities through work experience and a dedicated industry week
• Guest lectures from a wide range of industry professionals
• Opportunity to meet representatives from universities

Our Childcare & Early Years department has a base room with practical space for hands on learning along with two classrooms.

Explore our virtual tour (new window)

Course assessed by:

• 100% coursework / practical

All units are internally assessed using a range of methods. Skills-based outcomes must be achieved with reference to real work environment and must include direct observation with the workplace.

4 GCSEs grade 3 or above (including English and maths)
OR
Level 1 Certificate in Early Years or Health & Social Care (with GCSE English and maths at grade 3 or above)

You will need to attend a College interview. Find out more about How to Apply

Please note a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will also be required for this course.

Please note you must be over the age of 16 when this course begins.