Vocational – Children’s Play, Learning and Development Level 2

This is a one year course for anyone interested in working with children as a teaching assistant or nursery assistant. Alternatively, progressing onto higher level courses can lead to qualifications which will help you to gain employment in careers such as teaching or as an early years practitioner.

The units studied cover all aspects of understanding and supporting young children’s play and development, including supporting children’s physical care needs, supporting children through play, child development and developing professional practice skills working in the early years. You will also complete a practical experience assessment portfolio.

There will be the opportunity to experience a number of work placements in a variety of childcare settings, such as primary schools, day nurseries or nursery schools, working with children aged 0-5 years. Placements are a major part of this course because there is no better way to learn about working with babies and young children than through first-hand experience and all students will complete 280 hours of work placement.   

Please note that as part of the course you will also study English and Maths, and you will need to complete a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check to confirm you do not have any cautions or convictions which would put in question your suitability to work in these areas.

Course Highlights:

Voluntary work, guest speakers, trips out

Enhanced DBS – During your course you will attend a placement, in a workplace related to your course. Due to this, you are required to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check which is a criminal records background check to assess whether you are suitable to work with vulnerable people, such as children and vulnerable adults. The college will guide you through the online application process, however you will have to produce identification as part of this. Information about what a DBS check is and the ID required to process your application can be found here.

We strongly advise you to obtain the ID required as soon as possible, so your application isn’t delayed.

 

For our Level 2 Pre-Advanced courses our entry requirements are 4 x GCSEs at Grade 3, Maths or English Language/Literature at Grade 3 and Grade 2 in the other subjects. Level 2 courses last for 1 year.

Please note, some courses and subjects will have additional specific entry requirements or require DBS clearance to undertake placements. Information about this can be found in our course leaflet (available to download above), the Apply Portal, and on your offer letter which you will receive after your interview.

The course is assessed through coursework which takes the form of assignments, successful completion of each placement and external assessment.

The course prepares you to progress in college, onto an Apprenticeship, or into employment.

For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.