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COURSE LEVEL
COURSE TYPE
Regulated Qualification
AWARDING BODY
DURATION
STUDY METHOD
ASSESSMENT METHOD
The iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is a nationally recognised qualification designed to prepare learners for a rewarding career in early years education and childcare. This course builds a strong foundation of knowledge and practical understanding to support the care, learning, development, and well-being of babies and young children from birth to five years. With a clear occupational focus, it equips learners with the essential skills and confidence needed to work effectively in early years settings while meeting current sector standards.
This qualification carries 37 credits, a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 370 hours, and 290 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), ensuring a well-balanced blend of guided study and independent learning. The aim of the course is to develop competent early years practitioners who can apply theory to real-world practice, support child development, and contribute positively to early learning environments. It also provides a solid pathway for progression to higher-level early years qualifications and long-term professional growth in the childcare sector.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner, learners will be able to:
The iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is a 37-credit qualification with a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 370 hours and 290 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), designed to build practical knowledge and workplace-ready skills for early years settings.
Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 603/5193/7
| Unit Reference No | Unit Title | Level | GLH | Credit |
| A/617/8437 | Support children with special educational needs and disabilities | 2 | 15 | 2 |
| D/617/8429 | The role of communication in an early years setting | 2 | 15 | 2 |
| D/617/8432 | Support daily routines to meet babies and children’s physical care routines | 2 | 20 | 3 |
| H/617/8433 | Support the nutrition and hydration of babies and young children | 2 | 25 | 3 |
| K/617/8434 | Partnership working in early years settings | 2 | 25 | 3 |
| L/617/8426 | The role of the early years practitioner | 2 | 25 | 3 |
| M/617/8435 | Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes | 2 | 30 | 4 |
| R/617/8427 | Health and safety of babies and children in early years settings | 2 | 30 | 4 |
| R/617/8430 | Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in early years settings | 2 | 20 | 2 |
| T/617/8436 | Promote play in an early years setting | 2 | 25 | 3 |
| Y/617/8428 | Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in early years settings | 2 | 30 | 4 |
| Y/617/8431 | Understand how to support children’s development | 2 | 30 | 4 |
To enrol on the iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner, learners must meet the following criteria:
This qualification is suitable for individuals looking to start or develop a career in early years education and childcare, with flexible access designed to support a wide range of learners.
For further information, please click here and find out the clear guidelines.
*A learner not from a majority English-speaking country must provide evidence of English language competency. For more information, visit Language Expectations.
This course is designed for individuals who want to start or progress a career in early years education and childcare. It is ideal for aspiring early years practitioners, childcare assistants, or those new to the sector who want to gain a recognised Level 2 early years qualification. With flexible online learning, it suits learners who want to build practical skills and knowledge while balancing work or personal commitments.
All units within the iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner are internally assessed by Inspire London College and externally verified by iCQ to ensure quality and consistency. Assessment is based on a portfolio of evidence, which allows learners to clearly demonstrate their knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in line with the required standards in a structured and supportive learning environment.
This qualification uses both competence-based and knowledge-based assessment methods. Competence-based assessment takes place in the workplace and includes evidence such as work products, reflective accounts, direct observation, and witness testimony. Knowledge-based assessment is demonstrated through written assignments. To achieve a pass in each unit, learners must provide sufficient evidence to meet every learning outcome and assessment criterion, enabling them to apply theory to real-life early years practice while progressing at a manageable pace.
The iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is a fully accredited qualification regulated by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation). Ofqual regulation ensures that vocational qualifications meet national standards, maintain credibility, and deliver consistent, high-quality learning outcomes.
iCQ is an awarding body approved and regulated by Ofqual (Reference Number RN5325), and the qualification holds the Qualification Accreditation Number (QAN): 603/5193/7, confirming its official recognition in England. Inspire London College offers this qualification through iCQ, ensuring learners receive a trusted and nationally recognised early years qualification
Upon successfully passing the qualification, the learner will receive an Ofqual-regulated certificate (soft copy/scanned version) issued by iCQ Awards, which is included in the course price.
If you require a hard copy certificate, an additional fee of £25 will apply. This covers standard postal charges.
For faster delivery, you may choose to have your certificate and transcript sent via special courier (e.g., DHL). This service incurs an additional cost of £40, which applies primarily to international deliveries.
Note: It is not mandatory to select the courier service for delivery. We provide this special courier option for your convenience because standard posts take longer (3-4 weeks). For support, contact admissions@inspirelondoncollege.co.uk.
