iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

To enrol on the iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner, learners must meet the following criteria:

• Learners must be aged 16 years or above.
• There are no formal academic entry requirements for this qualification.
• Have a good understanding of ICT.
• Learners must be working in a relevant early years setting, as this qualification is competence-based and requires workplace assessment.
• Non-native English speakers must demonstrate a minimum level of English language competency*.
• Learners must be able to demonstrate the capability to meet the learning and assessment criteria at Level 2

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.

Progression:

• Learners may progress to the iCQ Level 3 Diploma in Children’s Learning and Development (Early Years Educator)

The iCQ Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is fully accredited by iCQ, an awarding body 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 Awards 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 Awards, ensuring learners receive a trusted and nationally recognised early years qualification

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 Awards 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.

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 certificate@inspirelondoncollege.co.uk.