Childcare Diploma level 2 – C3067

The level 2 qualification in childcare is the first step in starting an early years career. Lasting one academic year, it forms the perfect basis to either enter the workforce or progress higher and undertake the T level.

This skills taught on the course prepares you to work with children of ages from birth to five years old, whilst providing you with knowledge of children of up to seven years old. If you have little or no experience in childcare and want the opportunity to get a better understanding of the various careers available in the childcare sector, this course is great for you as it teaches you the building blocks of caring for children and young people and offers the chance to go a little bit deeper too.

There is a strong emphasis on building the necessary skills to work in the early years profession. This will not just happen in the classroom but also our specially designed training nursery. This will help prepare you before you go out into the workplace for work experience later in the year.

If you are aged 16 to 18, you will be enrolled on a study programme. This will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths if you haven’t already achieved a grade 4 or above.
You will take part in activities that help you to develop your personal skills, such as building your character and confidence. This will help you to live well and move into your chosen career.

All students, regardless of age, are expected to undertake relevant work experience as part of this course. For the Level 2, the amounts to a minimum of 100hrs. We have a dedicated placement coordinator who will support anyone who cannot find their own placement.

Year 1

You will study core elements in relation to caring for children and young people, including:
1. An introduction to the role of the early years practitioner
2. How to work in partnership
3. Understanding safeguarding legislation
4. Protection and welfare of children
5. How to plan and meet the needs of the developing child
6. Supporting children’s play (including in early years)
7. Supporting the needs of the child in preparing for school
8. Supporting children’s development using observation, assessment, and planning
9. Support children’s positive behaviour
10. Supporting children with additional needs

Standard entry to this course requires one reference. It is desirable that you can demonstrate 90% attendance. Four GCSEs including both English and maths at grade 3 or above is required.
Consideration will be given to all applicants over the age of 19, who do not hold formal English and maths qualifications.

If you are aged 16-18 you will be enrolled on a study programme, which will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths, if you haven’t already achieved a grade 4 or above at GCSE. You will also be required to complete a work experience placement and go through the DBS checking service to demonstrate you do not have a criminal record.

Assessment is completed via coursework and workplace assessments of competency, totalling a minimum of 100 hours. However, if you want to progress to the level 3 T level, we would expect you to exceed this minimum quite a bit. The placement timetable will offer you the chance to do this. All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods such as direct observation within the workplace, a portfolio of evidence, and written assignments or a task. You will need to evidence in your work that your skills and understanding are sufficient to pass each unit or achieve the higher grades. There are no traditional exams, but you will be assessed in the workplace on a number of visits throughout the year which we will plan with you prior to the visit and you must be assessed as competent in all areas in order to pass.

Tuition fees

Tuition Fees (16-18): £0.00

Tuition Fees (19+): £2225.00

Additional Costs

If you are aged 19+ you will need to pay £40 for the Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check, which is a requirement in order to complete the mandatory work placement element of this course.
There is an additional materials fee for consumable materials, and external trips of £30.00 payable by all students regardless of financial position.

Material Fees

£30.00

Disclaimer

If the course is longer than one year the total fees are for the first year only and further fees may apply in future years. All fees are based on a ‘home’ learner status. Please contact us for information on overseas fees.

For more information, please see our course fee disclaimers page.

Learn more about fees

This level 2 qualification introducing early years educator is accepted by employers as an entry into the workplace as a nursery assistant.

You could also progress onto an apprenticeship or onto the T level in Early Years, providing you achieve GCSE’s in maths and English at grade 4 or functional skills level 2.

Apply online via the College website, or if your school uses the Positive Steps @16 (PS16) application system please apply through this and speak to your careers advisor if you are unsure. You will need details of your qualifications and employment history, a reference, and a personal statement to complete your application. Once your application has been successfully processed, you will be sent a conditional offer and be invited to a Welcome Event at the College to meet your tutors, learn more about your chosen course of study and tour the facilities. You will then need to confirm your acceptance of the course offered to you.