Early Years is a regulated area which means that to work in a supervised capacity you would require a level 2 competence qualification. This means it must include practical work and be listed on the RQF, the list of qualifications approved by Ofqual, the regulator of qualifications in the UK.

This qualification will guide and assess development of the knowledge and skills required to work in the children and young people's workforce and qualify you to work in a supervised role in an early years setting.

The qualification is fully recognised and accepted by OFSTED.

Support is provided for up to 12 months but it is entirely up to you how quickly you work through the course. The estimated study time is 300 hours so if you average around 6-7 hours a week study you would complete in 11-12 months. If you put more time in you can complete quicker.

The course is delivered hard copy in folders. These are yours to keep so you can write on them, make notes etc. Your pack will contain everything you need to begin your course including your lessons, tutor and support information. In addition a study guide explaining how to get started along with comprehensive study notes for each element of the course is included.

Support is provided throughout the course via a tutor who can be emailed at any time should you come across anything you are unsure of. There is also a support team by telephone. Don't hesitate to ask if you are unsure!

The course is split into thirteen units. At the end of each unit you will complete an assignment which you will email to your tutor. An assignment is a set of questions based upon the unit you have just studied.  If there are any areas for improvements or anything that you have misunderstood you will always have the opportunity to re-submit. Alongside this you will be putting together a portfolio of evidence. Here you are documenting examples of tasks and activities you complete in the classroom. Your evidence sheets will be signed by the supervisor you work alongside in the setting.

The good news is there are no exams! Once you have completed all the assignments/portfolio work you complete the course.

Unit 1: Child and Young Person Development

Unit 2: Contribute to the Support of Child and Young Person Development

Unit 3: Safeguarding the Welfare of Children and Young People

Unit 4: Contribute to Children and Young People's Health and Safety

Unit 5: Contribute to the Support of Positive Environments for Children and Young People

Unit 6: Understand Partnership Working in Services for Children and Young People

Unit 7: Support Children and Young People's Positive Behaviour

Unit 8: Introduction to Communication in Health, Social Care or Children and Young People's Settings

Unit 9: Introduction to Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children and Young People's Settings

Unit 10: Introduction to Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children and Young People's Settings

Unit 11: Maintain and Support Relationships with Children and Young People

Unit 12: Understand Child and Young Person's Development

Unit 13: Support Children and Young People's Health and Safety

You can view the full course specification here.

This course provides successful students with a qualification from TQUK, regulated by Ofqual. TQUK is an Awarding Organisation recognised by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England and by the Welsh Government.

This is a competence based qualification suitable for all roles in school, including site staff, administrators etc as well as those who work directly with children and young people. It seeks to develop the knowledge and understanding that all those working in a school setting will need and covers areas such as safeguarding, communication and understanding the school context.