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Early Years Courses – Level 1 & Level 2 Award and Certificate (Beginner to Intermediate)

Take the first steps towards a career working with children with ELATT’s free early years courses in London.

Overview

Build Towards a Career Working with Children

Whether you are just starting to explore the sector or looking to develop your knowledge before moving into specialist study, ELATT’s early years courses in London give you a clear, supported starting point.

Level 1 is an introductory course covering the wider health, social care and children’s settings sector. You will build foundational knowledge, explore the principles and values of care work, and develop a clearer picture of whether early years is the right path for you.

Level 2 focuses specifically on working with children from birth to 11 years. You will study child development, play, legislation, nutrition and physical activity, and complete a work placement of up to 200 hours split across an early years setting and a primary school.

Both courses are delivered entirely online through live tutor-led sessions, assessed by coursework portfolio only, and are free for eligible adult learners in London.

By the end of your course, you will hold a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE qualification and be ready to take the next step, whether that is further study, a traineeship, or your first role in early years and childcare.

If you don’t have prior experience, don’t worry!
We offer preparatory courses and support to help you build the foundational skills needed for Level 3.

Alongside your vocational course, you will also have the opportunity to earn additional free qualifications to strengthen your CV and employability. These are matched to your level and confirmed after a short skills assessment when you join. They may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development and Digital Skills. Not everyone will study all four. Your programme will be tailored to what you need. For more details, visit the Adult Study Programme page.

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Course Details

Levels 1 and 2

Beginner and Intermediate

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Level 3

Advanced

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16 Weeks

Duration

TBD Hours

Hours per week

TBD

Daytime hours

TBD

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

  • You will study two mandatory units plus a selection of optional units to reach a minimum of 10 credits.
  • Mandatory topics (both required):
  • The range of settings and roles in health, social care and early years.
  • The principles and values that underpin care practice.
  • Optional topics (choose from):
  • Safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable adults.
  • Communication in care and early years settings.
  • Equality, inclusion and diversity.
  • Health and safety in care settings.
  • Person-centred approaches to support.
  • Working with others in health, social care and early years.
  • Healthy eating and nutrition for adults.

Entry Requirements

  • This course is designed to be accessible. You will need:
  • A basic level of English to complete written assignments.
  • An interview before enrolment.
  • Access to a device and internet for online learning.
  • No prior experience in health, social care or childcare is required.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • NCFE CACHE
  • Qualifications
  • NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s Settings
18 Weeks

Duration

TBD Hours

Hours per week

TBD

Daytime hours

TBD

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

  • You will study six mandatory units plus complete a Professional Skills Record through your work placement.
  • How children develop from birth to 11 years, including key developmental milestones.
  • The role of play in children's learning and development.
  • Key legislation and safeguarding responsibilities in early years and primary settings.
  • The role of the childcare practitioner and how to support children effectively.
  • Nutrition and healthy eating for children's health and wellbeing.
  • Physical development and the benefits of physical activity for children.
  • Work/Industry Placement Experience

You will also complete a Professional Skills Record through a minimum of 120 hours of placement across both an early years setting and a primary school. An occupationally competent tutor/assessor will visit each setting at least once.

Entry Requirements

  • This course is designed to be accessible. You will need:
  • To be aged 16 or over.
  • A sufficient level of English to complete written assignments.
  • An interview before enrolment.
  • Access to a device and internet for online learning.
  • Availability to complete a minimum of 120 hours of work placement across an early years setting and a primary school.
  • No prior experience in childcare or education is required, although a Level 1 qualification may be helpful.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • NCFE CACHE
  • Qualifications
  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings

Not sure which level is right for you?

Speak to an advisor to find your best starting point.

How You Will Learn

Our courses are interactive, practical and fully supported:

Live online sessions delivered by an experienced tutor:

Interactive classes accessible from home or anywhere in London, led by an experienced early years tutor.

Small, supportive classes:

Learn in a close-knit group with tutors who support your goals and help you progress.

Group discussions, case scenarios and interactive learning activities:

Explore real-life childcare and early years situations, develop your thinking and learn alongside other students.

Written assignments and portfolio building:

Complete written tasks for each unit during scheduled assessment hours. Build a portfolio of evidence across the course with no formal timed exams.

Practical placement experience (Level 2 only):

Complete a minimum of 120 hours of hands-on experience across both an early years setting and a primary school. An ELATT tutor will visit your placement at least once to support and observe your practice.

Ongoing tutor feedback and support:

Regular, personalised guidance to help you improve and progress at every stage of your learning.

Careers and Employability support:

CV support, interview preparation and career guidance throughout your course to help you move confidently into work.

All learning is delivered online. You will need a device and a reliable internet connection to take part.

These courses are designed for adult learners at different stages of their journey. You may be a good fit if you are:

New to working with children and want to explore the sector before committing to a longer course

A parent, carer or volunteer looking to build formal knowledge of child development and childcare practice

Considering a career change into early years, childcare or primary education

An ESOL learner who is ready to move into vocational study in a supportive environment

Returning to education after a break and looking for a flexible, fully-online starting point

No formal prior qualifications are required for Level 1. For Level 2, a sufficient level of written English and the ability to complete a work placement are the main requirements.

A clear pathway into early years

from introductory knowledge through to qualified Early Years Educator at Level 3

In-depth knowledge from Level 2

child development, play, safeguarding, legislation, nutrition and the practitioner's role

Free online learning, no formal exams

assessed by coursework and portfolio only, with live tutor-led sessions

Real placement and personal support

hands-on experience in early years and primary settings, with careers guidance throughout

Progression and Career Opportunities

After Level 1, you can progress to:

  • Level 2 Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings
  • Level 2 qualifications in Health and Social Care
  • Level 2 qualifications in Children and Young People’s Workforce
  • Apprenticeships in early years, health or social care roles
  • This course supports the first step towards a career in health, social care or early years education.

Important Information – Level 1 Award

  • This qualification is an introduction and does not confer competence or provide a licence to practise. It provides a starting point for deciding whether a career in the sector is right for you.

After Level 2, you can progress to:

  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator) — our next course, leading to full Early Years Educator status
  • Level 3 qualifications in Supporting Teaching and Learning
  • Level 3 qualifications in Children and Young People’s Workforce or Health and Social Care
  • Apprenticeships in early years, education or health and social care roles
  • At Level 2, you will also be eligible for entry-level roles in early years and primary settings, such as:
  • Nursery Assistant
  • Classroom Assistant
  • Preschool Assistant

Important Information – Level 2 Certificate

  • This qualification does not qualify learners to work and count in the ratios at Level 2 in early years settings. Learners wishing to count in the ratios at Level 2 should undertake the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (603/3723/0). This certificate has been designed as a progression qualification, preparing learners for Level 3 study across early years, primary education, children and young people’s, and health and social care pathways.

Career Potential

As a nursery assistant or classroom assistant, you can earn up to £26,000 per year in London with experience.

  • Our qualifications are employer-recognised and designed to help you build a real career pathway in early years and childcare.
adult-caring-for-child

Take the first step towards your early years career.

Apply now for a free early years course at ELATT, or speak to an adviser to find the right starting level for you.

Hear From Our Students

Meet Salma

Occupation: Office Administrator

This course has helped me a lot. Before I used to be worried about applying for work as I thought I would get rejected. Now I have much more confidence. I made new friends and I am able to communicate with others with greater confidence. I am now working in a job that I enjoy very much.

Salma

Student Projects, Showcases and Interviews

Return to Adult Courses

Early Years - Level 3 Diploma

Health and Social Care - Level 1 & 2

What is the difference between the Level 1 Award and the Level 2 Certificate in Early Years?

Level 1 is an introductory course covering the basics of health, social care and children's settings. It is ideal if you are completely new to the sector and want to explore whether working with children is right for you. Level 2 goes deeper, focusing specifically on child development, play, legislation and childcare practice. At Level 2 you will also complete a work placement in an early years setting and a primary school. Both courses are free for eligible learners.

Are the Level 1 and Level 2 Early Years courses at ELATT free?

Yes, ELATT's Early Years courses are fully funded for eligible adult learners in London. As a charity, ELATT receives government funding to remove financial barriers to learning, which means there is no course fee for eligible learners. Eligibility is confirmed at enrolment, but in most cases if you are aged 19 or over, live in London, and do not already hold a qualification at the same level or above, you will be eligible at no cost.

Do I need any previous experience or qualifications to enrol on the Level 1 and Level 2 Early Years courses?

No. No prior experience in childcare, health or social care is required for Level 1. For Level 2, a basic level of written English and the ability to complete a work placement are the main requirements. If you are unsure which level is right for you, we will discuss this with you at enrolment.

Do I need a work placement for the Level 1 or Level 2 Early Years courses, and will I need to find one myself?

A work placement is required at Level 2 only (not Level 1). You will need access to a placement across both an early years setting and a primary school, with a minimum of 120 hours in total. Speak to our team at enrolment if you need guidance on finding a suitable placement.

Do I need to sit any exams for Level 1 and Level 2 Early Years courses?

No. Both Level 1 and Level 2 are assessed through written assignments and portfolio building, completed during scheduled assessment hours as part of your course. There are no formal timed exams.

Can I do Level 1 and Level 2 Early Years courses if English is not my first language?

Yes. We welcome ESOL learners and learners from all language backgrounds. You will need a basic level of English to complete written assignments, but you do not need to be fluent. Our tutors work in small groups and give personalised support, and our team will discuss your English level with you at enrolment to make sure you are on the most suitable pathway.

How long are the Level 1 and Level 2 Early Years courses?

Level 1 is 16 weeks. Level 2 is 18 weeks. Both are delivered through weekly live online sessions.

What can I do after completing Level 1 and Level 2 Early Years courses?

After Level 1, you can progress to the Level 2 Certificate, which builds your knowledge further and includes a work placement. After Level 2, you can progress to ELATT's Level 3 Early Years Educator Diploma, which leads to full qualified Early Years Educator status and a licence to practise. You can also move into entry-level roles such as nursery assistant, classroom assistant or preschool assistant while you continue your studies.

What jobs can I get after completing the Level 1 and Level 2 Early Years courses?

Level 1 is an introductory qualification that prepares you for further study rather than direct employment in a practitioner role. After Level 2, you can apply for entry-level roles in early years and primary education settings, including nursery assistant, classroom assistant and preschool assistant. Many learners use Level 2 as a stepping stone to Level 3, which opens a wider range of professional roles.

Is there any support beyond the Level 1 and Level 2 Early Years courses?

Yes. Your course is part of ELATT's Adult Study Programme, which goes beyond teaching to offer wrap-around support throughout your learning journey. Alongside your course, you will study wraparound subjects matched to your level following your initial assessment. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development, or Digital Skills, and you will earn a recognised qualification in each.

Additional Services

You will also have access to our Careers and Employability Service (CV support, interview preparation and one-to-one career guidance) and our Wellbeing Service (wellbeing workshops and support groups). Both are included at no extra cost.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now and start building your future with ELATT's Level 1 or Level 2 Early Years course.

New courses coming to ELATT this September! We're working on new courses in Hospitality & Customer Service, Early Years, Health & Social Care, and Youth Work — and we'd love to hear from you. Register your interest now and be the first to hear when places open.

Register your interest