Level 2
Early Years Vocational, Technical Diploma (with license to practice)
Level 2
Early Years Vocational, Technical Diploma (with license to practice)
If you’re passionate about helping young children learn, grow, and thrive, this programme gives you the skills, confidence, and professional status you need to begin a career in the early years sector. Designed for those who want a hands-on, rewarding role supporting babies, toddlers, and young children, this qualification leads to Licence to Practise – meaning you can enter the workforce fully qualified as soon as you finish.
Show more...Course Overview
The Early Years Vocational Technical Diploma is a comprehensive two-year programme that blends theory with practical experience to help you become a confident early years practitioner. You’ll spend time in early years settings, work alongside experienced professionals, and learn how to support children’s learning, development, and wellbeing.
At our Knightstone Campus, the education and early years department boasts outstanding, sector-specific facilities, including a fully equipped community room, bright modern classrooms, two industry-style training rooms, and a unique bubble room designed for hands-on messy play activities.
Our expert lecturers bring years of industry knowledge, ensuring your learning is rooted in real practice. You’ll use high-quality facilities, take part in interactive workshops, and gain the professional behaviours needed to succeed in nurseries, preschools, and childcare environments. You will explore child development, safeguarding, behaviour support, play-based learning, and best practice in early years education – building your knowledge step by step.
You’ll join our Career Excellence Hub, where strong employer partnerships and a wealth of practice-based opportunities - including high-quality placements and inspiring guest speakers – will help you gain the skills, confidence, and professional knowledge you need to excel in your childcare career.
As a Licence to Practise qualification, successful completion of this course allows you to work directly in early years settings immediately after you finish.
What will I study?
You will explore a wide range of early years topics, including:
- Child development from birth to seven years
- Safeguarding, health, and wellbeing
- Supporting play, learning, and early education
- Planning and delivering activities
- Observing and assessing children’s progress
- Working with families and other professionals
- Inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs
- Professional responsibilities in early years environments
You will also complete a substantial industry placement, allowing you to put your learning into practice and build confidence in a real childcare setting.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is continuous and includes:
- Written assignments
- Practical observations in placement
- Professional practice portfolio
- Research tasks and case studies
- Synoptic assessments combining theory and practical skills
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you will benefit from:
- Membership of our Career Excellence Hub
- High-quality industry placements across early years settings
- Workshops with nurseries, schools, and early years professionals
- Opportunities to build your CV and gain additional skills
- Support with progressing into work or university
- Access to specialist resources and learning environments
A Weston College polo top must be worn for all placements and Stay & Play sessions at the College. Uniform should be purchased before the October half term. Alternatively, for learners receiving a bursary, the curriculum team can place the order on your behalf (bursary must have been applied for and approved).
Entry requirements
- A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9–4, including English and maths
- A successful DBS check (essential for working with children)
- A strong interest in early childhood education and care
What can I do after this course?
Because this qualification includes Licence to Practise, you can go straight into roles such as:
- Early years practitioner
- Nursery nurse
- Preschool assistant
- Childminder assistant
- Classroom or teaching assistant
You can also continue your studies with:
- Level 4 or Level 5 early years qualifications
- Teaching assistant pathways
- Education or early years apprenticeships
- University degrees such as Early Childhood Studies, Primary Education, or Child Psychology
Many learners progress into careers including:
- Early years teacher
- Family support worker
- SEN support practitioner
- Nursery manager
- Child development specialist
What do I do now?
Ready to apply? – Please use the ‘apply now’ button on this page. From here you’ll be taken through to our application portal.
What to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next open event
Have a quick question? – Use our Live Chat facility on the bottom right of this page.
