Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Applications Open - Monday 2 November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Folkestone College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Early Years is a rewarding and meaningful sector focused on supporting children’s learning, development, and wellbeing during their first years of life. This Level 2 course is designed to give you the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to begin your journey towards a career, working with children from birth to seven years of age. You’ll combine your classroom learning with practical activities to explore how children develop and learn through play. Alongside your studies, you’ll also develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and professionalism in an exciting work placement, based in a school, nursery or other local setting. By studying with us, you’ll be prepared for further study, apprenticeships, or your first role within the Early Years sector.

Study with us and gain an understanding of how children learn and develop from birth to seven years of age, alongside building the professional skills required to work safely and effectively in Early Years settings. You’ll cover a range of key topics that encourage you to look ahead to your next steps, including: • Introduction to the role of the Early Years Practitioner • Child development • Legislation, frameworks and professional practice • Play development and preparing children for school • Equality and diversity • Safeguarding • Professional development Putting your learning into practice is a big focus of this course, which is why you get to complete a 250-hour work placement as part of your qualification. The College has an on-site nursery and maintains close links with local childcare and education providers, ensuring you gain regular experience in a range of settings to put your skills into practise. All placements are supported by our Industry Liaison Officer, who will find opportunities that are right for your skillset and career goals. If that wasn’t enough, you have access to our Early Years replica nursery, fully equipped with a variety of toys and educational games. This is where you’ll practise child-focused activities, plan lessons, and experiment with play-based learning before placement.

All assessments are designed to showcase your skills and ensure you’re ready for your next steps in Education and Early Years settings. During your work placement, you’ll complete regular assessments for you to demonstrate your practical skills and to see how you get on working with children. You will also create a portfolio of your work and take part in written assignments to showcase your understanding of theory knowledge.

This pathway gives you time to develop skills in your chosen area and improve your English and maths to a grade 4 or equivalent. Reaching this level will help you have more opportunities in the future, like getting a skilled job, an apprenticeship, or moving on to a Level 3 course. To join this programme, you'll need the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grades 2 to 1, including English and maths at Level 1 or higher.

After completing this Level 2 course, many students choose to progress onto further study in the Early Years sector. Your options include joining our T Level, designed so you refine your skills, work towards higher-level roles within the industry and take part in an extended work placement. You may also decide to begin an apprenticeship or step straight into an entry-level job. This can be in roles such as a nursery practitioner, classroom assistant or pre-school practitioner.