Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner (3601)

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Last Updated: 26 Oct 2026

The City & Guilds Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner is a Level 2 technical qualification for learners aged 16+ who wish to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required to work with children from birth to five years in early years settings.

Delivered over a two-year pathway, it combines classroom-based learning with practical, work-related activities, enabling learners to apply their skills in realistic early years contexts.

The qualification covers key areas such as child development, observation, safeguarding and early years practice, while supporting the development of the occupational, professional and interpersonal skills needed to promote children's learning, development and wellbeing. It prepares learners for employment in the sector under the supervision of a qualified professional and is aligned to the Early Years Practitioner (OCC0888) occupational standard. The qualification is intended for delivery in England from September 2027, subject to accreditation and regulatory approval.

Key facts

Level 2 qualification
Aligned to the Early Years Practitioner (OCC0888) occupational standard.
Designed for learners aged 16+.
Two year pathway.
Available for first teaching from September 2027 (subject to accreditation and regulatory approval).
Available for delivery in England.

This qualification is aimed at learners aged 16+ who are interested in working with children from birth to 5 years and want to develop the knowledge, understanding and practical skills needed for employment within the early years sector. It is suitable for learners who may want to:

Progress directly into a Level 2 role within an early years setting;
Prepare for an apprenticeship in education and early years early years education and care;
Develop practical skills in supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing;
Build confidence in working with children, families and other professionals; or
Progress to higher-level early years qualifications, apprenticeships or training programmes.

Available to deliver in the following:

England

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

General Information

What Is Involved In Studying This Course?

Learners will develop a strong foundation in early years practice by applying knowledge, understanding and skills in realistic early years contexts. They will explore how children learn, develop and communicate, how safe and nurturing environments support positive outcomes, and how practitioners work with families and professionals to support children's wellbeing and development.

Areas of study include:

Child development and learning;
Safeguarding, health, safety and wellbeing;
Observation and assessment;
Supporting play, communication and language development;
Inclusive practice and meeting individual needs; and
Partnership working with families and professionals.

Learners will apply their learning through a combination of theory and practical activities, helping them develop the occupational and transferable skills needed to support children's learning, development and wellbeing in early years settings

What Careers Can This Lead To?

This qualification is designed to support progression into employment and further training within the early years sector. Career pathways may include roles that support children's learning, development, play, health and wellbeing in settings such as:

Day nurseries;
Preschools and playgroups;
Children's centres;
Reception and early years provision; and
Community and family support services.

The qualification also provides a foundation for progression to higher-level early years qualifications, apprenticeships and professional training opportunities.

What Is Involved With Delivering This Course?

To deliver this qualification you will have suitably qualified staff who understand the nuances of the early years sector and how to support and nurture children’s growth, development and well-being. You will have well established and reciprocal relationships with employers and access to inclusive and appropriate learning environments relevant to all aspects of the qualification content and its assessment, which includes examinations, research and a practical tasks. To support the more practical elements, learners will either be working or will require around 250hrs occupational placement.

Level 2

Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner (3601-20)

Last Registration Date: 31 Aug 2030

Level 2 Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner

Accreditation No: Data unavailable This is a reference number related to UK accreditation framework
Type: VRQ This is categorisation to help define qualification attributes e.g. type of assessment
Credits: Data unavailable Credits are a measure of the size of the qualification
Guided Learning Hours: Data unavailable This is the average contact time a centre would typically commit
Total Qualification Time: Data unavailable The total time for the qualification
Key Stage: Data unavailable This shows the equivalent Key Stage level.
Last Certification: 31/08/2033 This is the last date that a certificate can be issued
Qualification fees in the UK: Please speak to your Account Manager for further information Our typical price is the one that is most often paid by a centre for a completed learner. Some prices are made up of multiple charging points so action like taking difference units or specialisms to complete and resitting assessments may mean the cost for some learners differs. VAT may apply depending on your funding status and VAT registration.

There are no documents available.

Interested in delivering this qualification?

Find out more about how to become an approved City & Guilds centre or fill out our online customer application form.

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Occupational Certificate in Early Years Practitioner (3601)