Certificate In Working With Children In Early Years & Primary Settings Level 2
The Level 2 Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years & Primary Settings is the perfect starting point for students interested in childcare and education careers. This one-year course provides a strong foundation in child development, play-based learning, and practical care skills, helping you gain valuable knowledge and experience to work in nurseries, preschools, and primary schools.
You will learn in a fully equipped training room featuring interactive babies, baby-changing and bathing facilities, and a wide range of educational learning resources.
With excellent links to local nurseries and schools, plus a team of experienced and highly qualified tutors, this course offers real-world training and progression opportunities.
What You Will Learn
This course covers the fundamental principles of early years care and education, helping you develop both theoretical knowledge and practical childcare skills.
Core Knowledge
– Understanding child development from birth to early years.
– How to support children’s learning and play.
– Safeguarding and promoting children’s health and wellbeing.
– Understanding different educational approaches and teaching methods.
– Effective communication and teamwork in childcare settings.
Practical Skills Development
– Caring for babies and toddlers (feeding, changing, and bathing).
– Creating fun and educational activities for young children.
– Understanding children’s behaviour and social development.
– Learning how to keep children safe and healthy.
– Gaining real-world experience in childcare and education settings.
This combination of theory and hands-on experience prepares you for further study or entry-level employment in childcare and education.
Apply for this course
Select from the start date/s below…
North Devon Campus
Course details
Assessments
Assessment is coursework-based, meaning you will complete assignments rather than sit exams.
Practical Observations – demonstrating childcare skills in a real or simulated environment.
Written Assignments – covering child development, education, and care practices.
Portfolio of Evidence – compiling coursework and practical experiences.
Case Studies & Role Play Activities – applying your learning to real-world childcare scenarios.
This flexible and supportive assessment approach ensures you can develop skills at your own pace.
You will also complete 120 hours of work experience and will have an observation and feedback from one of our work-based assessors.
Entry Requirements
You must hold four GCSEs at grade 2 or equivalent (or above), preferably including Maths and English. If you do not have a GCSE grade 4 in Maths and/or English, you’ll continue studying these subjects alongside your chosen course(s). At the end of the year, you are expected to have completed and achieved all the components of your Level 1 Study Programme and improved your Maths and English skills (where applicable) before progressing on to your next course.
To enrol on this course, you will typically need:
A keen interest in working with children.
A positive attitude towards learning, teamwork, and communication.
GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and Maths (or equivalent qualifications).
A commitment to completing a work placement in a childcare or education setting.
Progression
This course provides a strong foundation for further study or employment in early years and primary education.
Further Training & Education
Progression to a Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education / the T Level in Assisting Teaching or Early Years.
A Teaching Assistant or Childcare Apprenticeship.
Higher education pathways in childcare, education, or health and social care.
With a Level 2 Certificate in Working with Children, you can apply for entry-level roles such as:
Nursery Assistant – supporting children’s development in a nursery or preschool setting.
Primary School Teaching Assistant (with further training) – helping children with learning and classroom activities.
Playworker – working in after-school or holiday clubs, running engaging activities for children.
Childminder Assistant – supporting home-based childcare providers.
With further qualifications, you can become an Early Years Educator, Teaching Assistant, or Primary School Teacher.
Facilities and resources
Fully Equipped Training Room – featuring interactive babies, baby-changing and bathing areas, and a wide range of learning resources.
Strong Links with Employers – excellent connections with local nurseries, preschools, and primary schools for work experience opportunities.
Expert Tutors – taught by a highly experienced and qualified team with real-world childcare expertise.
This interactive, hands-on course makes learning engaging, practical, and career-focused.
FAQs
Q: Is this course just classroom-based?
A: No! You will train in a practical setting, using interactive babies, baby care facilities, and play equipment. You’ll also gain real-world experience in nurseries and schools.
Q: Do I need childcare experience to enrol?
A: No prior experience is needed—just a genuine interest in working with children and a willingness to learn!
Q: Will I work with real children during this course?
A: Yes! You will complete a work placement in a nursery, preschool, or primary school, gaining hands-on experience.
Q: Is this course suitable if I want to become a teacher?
A: Yes! This is a great first step towards a career in early years education or primary teaching. You can progress to Level 3 qualifications and higher education.
Q: Will I need my own uniform or equipment?
A: Some work placements may require practical, smart clothing, but all necessary equipment for training sessions is provided.
Q: What kind of jobs can I apply for after this course?
A: You can work as a Nursery Assistant, Playworker, or Childcare Assistant, or continue studying towards more senior roles in education and childcare.
Q: What support is available during the course?
A: Our highly experienced tutors will support you throughout your learning. We also provide careers advice, coursework guidance, and work experience support.
Study Programme
Every full-time student at Petroc will have their own Study Programme which will include:
– Your academic or vocational qualification.
– Maths and English Language development – if you have not achieved GCSE grade 4 in either of these subjects.
– Work Experience – hours will vary depending on your qualification and course level.
– Tutor Support – to support your personal, academic and professional development.
– Sustainability – helping you to identify how you can improve the sustainability of your future employment sectors.
– Personal Development Awards – developing six key areas of personal and employability behaviours to prepare you for the working world.
As this course requires you to undertake work placements with children and/or vulnerable adults, a DBS check is required.
Why Petroc should be your first choice
Petroc offers quality education and training across North and Mid Devon. We aim to provide outstanding learning, excellent facilities, strong connections to employers and a supportive environment to help you fulfil your education goals and set you on your path to the career of your dreams.
SUPPORTIVE
We offer a supportive and inclusive environment where you can flourish and feel a valued member of the college and wider community.Â
INSPIRING
Our teaching spaces and facilities are some of the best in the region, providing stimulating and true-to-life learning environments.Â
CONNECTED
We’ll provide you with the experiences you need to be ready for employment or the next step on your educational journey.
