Level 2
Early Years Vocational, Technical Diploma (with license to practice)
Level 2
Early Years Vocational, Technical Diploma (with license to practice)
Prepare for a rewarding career in early years education with this hands-on vocational diploma. Gain your Licence to Practise, develop professional skills through extensive placement experience, and qualify to work in early years settings or progress to higher education.
Course Overview
The Early Years Vocational Technical Diploma is a two-year programme that combines classroom learning with substantial industry experience, preparing you to become a confident and qualified early years practitioner. You'll develop the knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours needed to support children's learning, development, and wellbeing while gaining the Licence to Practise required to work in the sector.
Based at Knightstone Campus, you'll learn in specialist early years facilities, including a community room, industry-standard training spaces, and a dedicated bubble room for messy play activities. Experienced lecturers with extensive sector backgrounds will guide your learning as you explore child development, safeguarding, inclusive practice, and play-based learning. You'll also become part of Weston College's Career Excellence Hub, giving you access to employer partnerships, guest speakers, enrichment activities, and high-quality industry placements that prepare you for employment or further study.
What will I study?
You'll develop knowledge and practical skills in:
• Child development from birth to seven years
• Safeguarding, health, and wellbeing
• Supporting play, learning, and early education
• Planning and delivering learning activities
• Observing and assessing children's development
• Working with families and multi-agency professionals
• Inclusive practice and supporting children with additional needs
• Professional responsibilities in early years settings
You'll also complete a substantial industry placement, allowing you to apply your learning and build confidence in a real childcare environment.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is continuous throughout the programme and includes:
• Written assignments
• Practical observations during placement
• A professional practice portfolio
• Research tasks and case studies
• Synoptic assessments combining theory and practical skills
Additional Information
Throughout your course, you'll benefit from:
• Membership of Weston College's Career Excellence Hub
• High-quality industry placements in early years settings
• Workshops with nurseries, schools, and childcare professionals
• Opportunities to develop additional professional skills and enhance your CV
• Support with progression into employment or higher education
• Access to specialist early years facilities and learning resources
A Weston College polo shirt must be worn for placements and Stay & Play sessions. Uniform should be purchased before the October half-term, although bursary support may be available for eligible learners.
Entry Requirements
• A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9–4, including English and maths
• A successful DBS check
You'll also need a genuine interest in early childhood education and care.
What can I do after this course?
Because this qualification includes Licence to Practise, you can move directly into employment within the early years sector.
Career opportunities include:
• Early Years Practitioner
• Nursery Nurse
• Preschool Assistant
• Childminder Assistant
• Teaching Assistant
You could also progress to:
• Level 4 or Level 5 Early Years qualifications
• Education and early years apprenticeships
• Teaching Assistant pathways
• University degrees in Early Childhood Studies, Primary Education, or Child Psychology
Many learners continue into careers as Early Years Teachers, Family Support Workers, SEN Support Practitioners, Nursery Managers, or Child Development Specialists.
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.
Want to learn more? – Visit and see the facilities and chat to staff by signing up for our next Open Event.
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