Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner - 6 months, online in 6 months
An Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 2: 60 credits, 8 units, assessed by assignment with no exams. Delivered 100% online by LEAP Education.
£10 to apply · Offer within 24 hours · Apply with qualifications or relevant work experience
Stanmore School of Business Limited — UK registered learning provider since 2017.
- Duration
- 6 months
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- RQF Level 2
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £416.67 / month
What this qualification is
The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner - 6 months is awarded by an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation and regulated by Ofqual at RQF Level 2. The qualification totals 60 credits across structured mandatory units. Listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications. LEAP Education delivers this programme 100% online with tutor support.
Standard completion is 6 months; accelerated completion in available on selected programmes is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £1,250. Assessment is through coursework and assignments — there is no requirement to attend a UK campus.
Designed for working professionals in the UK and overseas who need a regulated qualification recognised by employers. Progress to the next RQF level or a university top-up degree where eligible.
Premium international nurseries and expatriate families are systematically removing uncertified caregivers from their shortlists, replacing them with practitioners who hold formal qualifications in child development and safeguarding. The early years sector has moved past informal trust; employers now demand documented proof that you understand developmental milestones and risk management before they let you near a child.
You will gain the specific competencies required to plan and deliver age-appropriate learning activities that support physical, social, and emotional growth in children under five. You will be able to confidently communicate with parents about their child’s progress and identify early signs of special educational needs, positioning yourself as a professional partner rather than just a watcher. This credential allows you to pass the strict vetting processes of multinational childcare providers and command higher fees in private or institutional roles.
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 2
- Credits: 60
- Units: 8
- Duration: 6 months
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
- Level:
- RQF Level 2
- Credits:
- 60
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 6 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £416.67 / month
- Entry requirements:
- No formal qualifications required. Minimum age 18.
- Last verified:
- 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Related: Education and Training Qualifications, browse related courses.
Explore: Level 3 Early Years Educator, Level 2 Early Years Practitioner.
See how the programme works, how you're assessed and how online study fits around your job.
What you'll study
Child Development: Understanding the Stages of Development
Applies developmental psychology to tailor individualized care plans that meet diverse international early years standards.
Communication and Language Development in Young Children
Implements targeted strategies to accelerate language acquisition and social integration for children from varied cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing in the Early Years
Executes rigorous risk assessments and safeguarding protocols to ensure compliance with strict global regulatory frameworks.
Planning and Implementing Activities for Young Children
Designs and delivers evidence-based learning interventions that achieve measurable cognitive and physical development outcomes.
Observing and Recording the Behaviour of Young Children
Conducts objective behavioral analysis to generate professional reports that inform targeted educational and care strategies.
Partnership and Collaboration with Parents and Carers
Manages cross-cultural stakeholder relationships to secure active parental engagement and align family expectations with care plans.
Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Develops inclusive support systems that ensure equitable progress and compliance with international standards for children with complex needs.
Understanding the Role of the Early Years Practitioner
Establishes the professional ethics and operational scope required to advance your career within the global early childhood sector.
Every unit is assessed by written assignments submitted online, with tutor feedback and sample assignments to guide you.
Open entry
No formal qualifications required
This entry-level programme is open to anyone aged 18 or over with an interest in the subject.
Minimum age 18. International applicants welcome. Send us your certificates and we'll confirm eligibility within 24 hours.
Fully online
No campus visits. Study on any device, in any time zone.
Materials included
Study notes, sample assignments and resources from day one.
24/7 study assistant
Instant explanations and assignment guidance from our AI study assistant.
Tutor feedback
Qualified tutors mark assignments and give feedback by email and chat.
Where this can take you
Designed for working professionals who need a recognised qualification to move into supervisory, management or specialist roles.
Universities that recognise this qualification for progression
- University College Birmingham
- Teesside University
- University of South Wales
Progression routes vary by university and programme. Contact admissions for current entry requirements.
Choose your pace
All plans are interest-free and include every unit, study material and tutor support. A £10 enrolment fee applies.
| This page6 monthsFast-track | 9 monthsStandard mode | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £1,250 | £950 |
| Monthly | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) | £190 × 5 |
| Quarterly | — | £475 × 2 |
| Pay in full | £1,187.50 (save 5%) | £902.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250)
- Pay in full£1,187.50 (save 5%)
* Programme fees shown include online learning, study materials and tutor support for the qualification. A separate £10 enrolment fee is payable when you submit your application. Interest-free instalment plans and a 5% discount for paying the full programme fee upfront are available where shown.
Need a different payment plan? Our admissions team can help.
Talk to an adviser on WhatsApp →Who awards your qualification
This qualification is awarded by an Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisation. LEAP Education, a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited, delivers the programme online and supports your learning and assessment.
Regulation
Ofqual-regulated at RQF Level 2, 60 credits.
Provider
Stanmore School of Business Limited · Company No. 10591140 · UKPRN 10085235.
Start in three steps
- 01
Apply online
Complete the short form and pay the £10 enrolment fee. About five minutes.
- 02
Receive your offer
We confirm eligibility and email your start date and payment options.
- 03
Start learning
Pay your first instalment and get access to your units.
Common questions
Is this qualification regulated by Ofqual?
Yes. This qualification is awarded by an Ofqual-recognised awarding organisation at RQF Level 2 and is listed on the Ofqual Register of Regulated Qualifications.
Can I study from outside the UK?
Yes. The programme is 100% online with no campus visits, so you can study from anywhere in the UK or internationally.
Are there any exams?
No. Every unit is assessed through written assignments submitted online. There are no written examinations.
What are the entry requirements?
No formal entry qualifications are required. Applicants must be 18 or older.
How long does it take and what does it cost?
You can choose 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250); 9 months (Standard mode, £950). Interest-free instalment plans are available on each option.
When can I start?
You can enrol at any time. Once your application is accepted and the first payment is made, you receive access to the learning platform and study materials.
Who operates LEAP Education?
LEAP Education is a brand of Stanmore School of Business Limited (Company No. 10591140, UKPRN 10085235), a UK learning provider.
Last reviewed 5 September 2026 by Dr Namita Singh, Head of Academics
Get the full course guide
Units, fees, payment plans and start dates, sent to your inbox in minutes.
- Detailed unit and assessment breakdown
- Payment plans for every duration option
- Eligibility check for UK and international qualifications
Download the Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner - 6 months brochure
Fees, payment plans, units and progression routes, all in one PDF. We’ll also email you a copy.