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Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner (Diploma)
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Overview
The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, with applied knowledge in the early years sector (birth to 5 years).
This qualification contains knowledge and skills that meet the Department for Education’s Early Years Practitioner criteria in full and maps to the knowledge, skills and behaviours within the Early Years Practitioner occupational standard in England.
Alongside the Diploma, learners will work on maths or English GCSEs to work towards achievement of grade 4 or higher in both.
Learners will complete 250 hours placement in early years settings to develop knowledge and skills in working with babies and young children.
How you’ll learn
Units included are:
- Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner
- Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years
- Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in Early Years Settings
- Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in Early Years Settings
- Understand how to support children’s development
- Support care routines for babies and young children
- Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes
- Promote play in an Early Years Setting
- Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
- Support babies and young children to be physically active
- Support the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disability
- Promote positive behaviour in Early Years Settings
- Partnership working in the early years
- Support the needs of the child in preparing for school
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 2
- Further study
Entry requirements
Grade 4+ in maths and 3 in English language
Or
Grade 4+ in English language and 3 in maths
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 3 T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years At this college
- Level 3 Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard At this college
- Level 3 Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard At this college
See all 20 courses
At this college
- T Level Technical Qualification in Education and Early Years
- Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Diploma - Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator) NCFE Jan Start
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Related
- Level 3 Award in Education & Training
- Level 3 Award in Education and Training
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
- TAQA Level 3 Award in Assessing in the Workplace / Vocational Assessment
- TAQA Level 3 Certificate in Assessing in the Workplace
At Doncaster College
- T Level - Early Years Education and Childcare
- L3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard
- L3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship Standard
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment
- Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocational Related
- Level 3 Award in Education & Training
- Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement
- TAQA Level 3 Award in Assessing in the Workplace / Vocational Assessment
- TAQA Level 3 Certificate in Assessing in the Workplace
Careers it can lead to
- Early Education and Childcare Assistants £13.30 an hour
- Nannies and Au Pairs £14.13 an hour
- Houseparents and Residential Wardens £25,800 a year
- Educational Support Assistants £14.50 an hour
See all 12 careers
- Care Workers and Home Carers £13.39 an hour
- Senior Care Workers £26,800 a year
With further study or experience
- Early Education and Childcare Practitioners £12.96 an hour
- Child and Early Years Officers £27,500 a year
- Welfare and Housing Associate Professionals £25,100 a year
- Early Education and Childcare Services Proprietors £44,300 a year
- Early Education and Childcare Services Managers £22,400 a year
- Nursery Education Teaching Professionals £34,800 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
A Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeLearning Support
If your child has additional learning needs, our support team works with them from day one. Adjustments are put in place early so they can get the most out of their course.
About learning supportGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable, not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
Learn moreQualifications That Count
These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.
Your next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 19th January 202719th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 01724 281 111
What happens after you apply
1
You apply
Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.
2
You meet your tutor
We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.
3
You get an offer
We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.
4
You get ready to start
Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.