On this one-year, full-time Level 2 Foundation in Education and Early Years course, you'll build your core knowledge, skills and confidence before progressing to Level 3 study pathways such as T Levels.
This qualification is designed to inspire your interest in education and early years while helping you explore the many exciting opportunities available within the sector. Rather than focusing on one specialist area too soon, you'll gain a broad understanding of education and childcare, giving you the confidence to discover where your strengths and interests lie.
Through a blend of practical learning and essential theory, you'll develop valuable knowledge of educational and early years practice, covering learning and development from birth through to adulthood. Along the way, you'll build a range of transferable skills that are highly valued in further study and future careers.
Whether you're considering a career working with children, supporting learners, or progressing into teaching and education-related professions, this qualification provides a strong foundation for your next steps. It will help you make informed choices about your future and prepare you for progression to Level 3 study, including Vocational Levels, T Levels, or A Levels.
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What will I study?
The units you will study are likely to include: Core units:
- Child Development: Understanding how babies and young children (typically ages 0-5) learn and grow.
- Role of Play: Exploring how play supports early education and skill-building.
- Safeguarding & Wellbeing: Recognising signs of illness, health and safety practices, and child protection.
- Communication & Inclusion: Communicating effectively with children and adults, and designing inclusive learning activities
*All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.
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Who is this course for?
This course is ideal if you have an interest in Education and Early Years and wish to gain a Level 2 qualification in Childcare.
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How is the course assessed?
- Written work
- Presentation
- Placement feedback
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Your Study Programme
If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.
Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.
If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.
All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).
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Knowledge
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:
- Planning activities for children
- Child development
- Reflection
- Safeguarding of children and young people
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Skills
You will have the ability to:
You will have the ability to:
- Work with children in a safe way
- Prepare children for their next steps
- Feedback to teachers about placement experiences
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Behaviours
What is required?
What is required?
- Confidence
- Resilience
- Patience
- Professionalism
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General info
You may be required to go on trips or purchase a kit and uniform to undertake this course. Information about individual items and their associated costs will be sent to you in June/July before you enrol.
Some students may be eligible for support from the Student Bursary Scheme with the costs of coming to college.
Applications are available on the college website under Student Support. If you require further assistance or would like to speak with a member of Student Services, please email financial.support@northamptoncollege.ac.uk or call 01604 734333.
If you are applying for financial assistance, please do not purchase any kit items. If your application is successful, the necessary items will be provided to you.
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Progression and Career Opportunities
Learners will be able to progress to a T level Education Early Years or Assisting Teaching pathways.
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Entry Requirements for new students
Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above English or Maths GCSE to be at grade 4 or above
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Admissions Process
We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.
These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements.
If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.
