Diploma for Early Years Practitioner

This work based, one year course provides learners with the knowledge and understanding of working with babies and young children from birth to seven years and supports the development of the practical and technical skills needed to work with children up to the age of five years.

  • Course Type Adult - Professional
  • Subject Area Education, Early Years and Childcare
  • Qualification City & Guilds Diploma
  • Study Mode: Part Time
  • Course Level Level 2
  • Location Various – see below
  • Course Length 36 weeks
  • Start Date Various - See Overview
  • End Date Various - See Overview
  • Day Monday
  • Times Various
  • Fee £950
Overview

This course provides learners with the knowledge and understanding of working with babies and young children and supports the development of the practical and technical skills needed to work with children up to the age of five years.

Units covered include:

  • Safeguarding
  • Communication
  • Child development and behaviour

The course includes 9 units of study, ranging from child development to curriculum and safeguarding.

Successful learners can progress onto the Level 3 Diploma for Early Years Educator or to Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools, provided they are in a suitable work role.

This course has several starting dates throughout the year, please apply at an early stage.
This is a 12 month course, delivered through workplace visits for practical assessments, and an online portfolio of written assignments.

Dates for 2026 – 2027 are as follows:

Day Start Date End Date Time Location Course Code
Monday 14-Sep-26 13-Dec-27 09:00-12:00 Workplace Setting G2PCCWD0/6/1
Monday 04-Jan-27 03-Jan-28 09:00-12:00 Workplace Setting G2PCCWD0/6/2
Monday 19-Apr-27 17-Apr-28 09:00-12:00 Workplace Setting G2PCCWD0/6/3

To find out more:
Telephone: 01392 400170
Email: adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Applicants must be working, either in a paid or voluntary role, in an early years setting for a minimum of ten hours a week.

Facilities
  • 1:1 assessor support
  • Online portfolio and resources
  • You will have access to a Learning Resource Centre (LRC)
Funding and Additional Costs

Funding Availability 

Self-Financing: No funding available for this course. For fee’s over £150, you can set up an instalment plan to pay over 3 months (50% on the first month, and 25% for the following 2 months)

Additional Costs

None

  • Have a question?

    Need help your application?

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  • How to apply

    Ready to start your journey?

    Applying is straightforward:

    1) Complete our online application form

    2) Submit your GCSE results or predicted grades

    3) Attend an interview

    4) Receive your offer and enrol

    Apply Now

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