Level 2 Diploma

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is designed for individuals working, or planning to work, in early years settings. The program equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and understanding to work under supervision to meet the needs of children aged birth to 5 years, with knowledge of up to 7 years

Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

*Total Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 293 *Total Qualification Time (TQT): 370 *Typical Duration: 12-18 months

Beginner to Intermediate (Entry Level 2)

Early Years Practitioner Modules and Units

Unit 1: Roles and Responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner

Responsibilities of early years practitioners Understanding professional behaviour, codes of conduct, and safeguarding Supporting equality, diversity, and inclusion in early years

Unit 3: Equality, Diversity, and Inclusive Practice in Early Years

Promoting inclusive practice for all children Supporting cultural diversity Encouraging anti-discriminatory practices

Unit 5: Understand How to Support Children’s Development

The holistic development of children (physical, social, emotional, cognitive, and communication) Supporting children’s transitions and observing developmental milestones

Unit 7: Supporting Children’s Play, Development, and Learning

The importance of play in early years Supporting play-based activities for development and learning Encouraging creative and exploratory activities

Unit 9: Supporting Positive Behaviour in Children

Understanding and implementing behaviour management strategies Promoting emotional well-being Encouraging positive behaviour through guidance and support

Unit 11: Support the Use of Observation, Assessment, and Planning

Conducting observations to track developmental progress Using assessments to create individualized learning plans Planning activities that support children’s needs

Unit 2: Health and Safety of Babies and Young Children in Early Years Settings

Promoting safe environments for children Understanding risk assessments Dealing with accidents and incidents Supporting personal hygiene, including nappy changing

Unit 4: Safeguarding, Protection, and Welfare of Babies and Young Children

Understanding child protection policies and safeguarding procedures Identifying signs of abuse or neglect Recording and reporting concerns appropriately

Unit 6: Support Care Routines for Babies and Young Children

Creating care plans for individual children Feeding, sleeping, toileting, and care routines Establishing a nurturing and responsive relationship with babies and young children

Unit 8: Support Children with Additional Needs

Understanding additional needs and disabilities Working with parents, carers, and professionals to meet needs Promoting inclusive activities and environments

Unit 10: Partnership Working in the Early Years Settings

Building relationships with families, carers, and professionals Effective communication in early years settings The importance of multi-agency working for child welfare

Practical Requirements

Learners are required to complete a minimum of 250 hours of practical work experience within an early year setting. This will include:

 

Assessment

The course assessment is through:
Workplace Observations
Professional Discussions
Written Assignments and Portfolios
All evidence will demonstrate knowledge, understanding, and practical competency.

Progression Opportunities

On successful completion of the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma, learners can:
Progress to Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications
Seek employment as an Early Years Practitioner (assistant roles)
Consider specialist pathways in early childhood education or SEND support

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Entry Requirements

No formal requirements, but a strong interest in working with children
Access to a real work setting is mandatory

Once accepted, you will receive access to all the necessary materials and resources to start your learning journey.

Course

Safeguarding: Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults

Safeguarding: Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults

This course provides participants with the knowledge and understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures for protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults. It equips learners to identify signs of abuse, respond appropriately, and implement safeguarding practices in professional and personal settings.

Safeguarding: Protecting Children and Vulnerable Adults

1-2 days (Flexible based on delivery method)

6–12 hours

Beginner to Intermediate (Entry Level 2)

Target Audience

Teachers and early years practitioners
Health and social care workers
Volunteers in care or education settings
Sports coaches and activity leaders
Any professional working with children or vulnerable adults

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Understand what safeguarding means and why it’s important.
Recognize signs, symptoms, and indicators of abuse and neglect.
Understand key legislation and guidelines relating to safeguarding.
Learn how to report concerns and follow safeguarding procedures.
Develop confidence in responding to safeguarding incidents effectively.
Promote a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals.

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Safeguarding

Definition of safeguarding and child/vulnerable adult protection Understanding who is at risk and why Key principles of safeguarding (prevention, protection, and partnership)

Module 3: Safeguarding Legislation and Policies

Overview of safeguarding laws (e.g., Children Act, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Care Act) Key safeguarding policies and frameworks Roles and responsibilities of individuals and organizations

Module 5: Preventing Abuse and Promoting a Safe Environment

Risk assessment in professional and community settings Promoting safe working practices and behaviours (e.g., supervision and safer recruitment) Creating inclusive and supportive environments

Module 7: Online Safety and Safeguarding in a Digital World

Understanding risks of online abuse and exploitation Protecting children and vulnerable adults from cyberbullying and grooming Promoting digital safety and responsible use of technology

Module 2: Recognizing Abuse, Harm, and Neglect

Defining abuse and neglect (physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and institutional) Recognizing the signs and symptoms of abuse Identifying factors that put individuals at risk

Module 4: Responding to Safeguarding Concerns

How to respond to a disclosure of abuse sensitively and appropriately Reporting and recording safeguarding concerns Understanding confidentiality and information sharing

Module 6: Multi-Agency Working

The importance of multi-agency collaboration Roles of safeguarding partners, social services, and law enforcement Effective communication with other professionals

Delivery Methods

Face-to-Face Training: Interactive workshops, case studies, group discussions
Online Learning: Videos, scenarios, and virtual discussions
Blended Learning: Combination of in-person and online modules

Assessment

Knowledge Check: Multiple-choice quizzes or short-answer questions
Case Study Discussions: Scenarios and real-life examples for practical understanding
Certificate of Completion: Awarded upon successful participation and assessment

Learning Resources

Safeguarding handbooks and templates
Access to relevant safeguarding policies and legislation
Video and interactive scenario materials

Outcomes and Certification

Upon completion of the course, participants will:
Be able to identify, respond to, and prevent safeguarding concerns.
Receive a Certificate of Attendance/Completion.
Develop the confidence to fulfil safeguarding responsibilities in their professional roles.

Progression Opportunities

Advanced Safeguarding Training (Level 2 or Level 3)
Specialization in areas such as child protection, safeguarding in sport, or online safety