About the course

Our exciting course will provide you with the knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience that will prepare you to take the next step towards a successful, rewarding career or university-level study. This course allows you to specialise in the area of Early Years Educator. There are three elements to the course: core academic skills and knowledge and an in-depth understanding of the sector and a minimum requirement of 750 in a early years placement setting.

Start Date/s

02/09/2026

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including English and Mathematics or a relevant Level 2 qualification including English and Mathematics.

This course is subject to a cleared enhanced DBS check. 

Modules

Year 1:

Mandatory content

Element 1: Wider education sector

Element 2: Supporting education

Element 3: Safeguarding, equality and diversity and wellbeing

Element 4: Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

Element 5: Child development

Element 6: Working in partnership

Element 7: Professional practice 

Year 2- Occupational Specialism:

Mandatory content

PO1:  Support and promote children’s play, development and early education

PO2:  Develop relationships with children to facilitate their development

PO3:  Plan, provide and review care, play and educational opportunities to enable children to progress

PO4: Safeguard and promote the health, safety and wellbeing of children

PO5: Work in partnership with colleagues, parents, carers and other professionals to support children’s development 

Assessment

Core Modules: you will be assessed through two externally set exams and an employer set project, this is a controlled assessment that will be completed within College and linked to your placement. Specialist Modules: there are three externally set assessments, one will be an observation of your knowledge and skills from your industrial placement, the others will be exam-based assessments.

A minimum of 750 placement hours is required to complete the course 

Careers & Progression

Child and Early Years Officer, Learning Mentor, Nursery Management, Nursery Practitioner, Play Therapy, Teaching, Teaching Assistant, Primary Teaching.

Additional Details