Quick facts
| Qualification type | Level 2 Diploma |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Study times | You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:00 to 4:15. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements | A minimum of Grade 4 English GCSE or Level 2 Functional skills and working towards Grade 4 maths or maths Level 2 Functional skills. |
| Campus | West Suffolk College Sixth Form Campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Yes, two days a week (250 hours) across the year. |
Is it for me?
The Early Years Practitioner Level 2 Diploma is a firm foundation in providing you with the principal skills needed to be responsible for the development, care and education of children in the Early Years sector.
The aim of this qualification is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to seven years of age.
Upon successful completion of this qualification, it will allow you to count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce in a variety of roles such as nursery practitioner, classroom assistant and pre-school practitioner, or continue to study for a Level 3 Diploma holding Early Years Educator status.
Work experience placements
You will need to complete a practical work placement to show competence in your knowledge and skills consisting of 250 hours over the year. The placement will support learners to complete the skills part of the qualification in working with babies and young children to meet the assessment criteria.
Assessment
T Level in Education and Childcare Level 3
T Level in Education and Assistant Teaching Level 3
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
Example careers
Early Years Teacher
Education Consultant
Family Support Worker
Education Mental Health Practitioner
Health Play Specialist
Learning Mentor
Play Therapist
Primary School Teacher
Social Worker
Special Educational Needs Teacher
Teaching Assistant
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
Youth Worker
Children's Nurse
Speech Therapist
Community Worker
Days & times
Starting September 2025