Level 2 Early Years Practitioner
Start your childcare career with hands-on training and real workplace experience.
What you'll gain
A solid grounding in early years practice
The Level 2 apprenticeship explained
This apprenticeship prepares you for work as an early years practitioner in nurseries, preschools, and childcare settings. You'll learn child development, safeguarding, and practical skills while earning a wage and gaining real experience in your workplace.
Who this apprenticeship is for
This is for anyone starting out in childcare or looking to formalise skills already gained on the job. Whether you're new to early years or already working in a nursery, preschool, or childcare setting, this level builds your confidence and knowledge from the ground up.
Starting your childcare career
Already working in early years
What you'll study
Core topics that matter in real childcare settings
Child development and learning
Understand how children grow, learn, and develop from birth to five years.
Safeguarding and welfare
Keep children safe and know how to respond to concerns with confidence.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Learn the EYFS framework and how to plan activities that support progress.
Communication and language support
Help children develop speech and listening skills through play and interaction.
Health, safety, and hygiene in childcare
Know what to do in emergencies and maintain safe, clean environments daily.
Play and learning environments
Create spaces where children can explore, play, and learn independently.
How you'll learn and develop
This apprenticeship runs for approximately 11 to 12 months. You'll combine online study with real work experience, supported by regular visits and group learning events designed around your setting's needs.
Monthly masterclasses
Join online study days each month to explore key topics with other apprentices and our trainers. These sessions are scheduled to fit around your workplace.
Work-based learning
Learn on the job in your nursery or setting. You'll apply what you study to real situations with children, supported by your employer and our team.
Multi-Assessment Visits
Every three months, our assessor visits your workplace to observe your practice and gather evidence of your progress against the apprenticeship standard.
Skills Festivals
Attend group events where you'll network with other apprentices, try new activities, and celebrate your learning in a supportive environment.
What you need to get started
You'll need to be at least 16 years old and have basic English and maths skills, or be willing to develop them as part of your apprenticeship. You must be employed in a nursery, preschool, or childcare setting, or we can help recruit you into one.
Age 16 or over
Basic English and maths ability
Employed in early years setting
Ready to begin?
Take the next step in early years