Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner, online from 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
- 9 months
- Credits
- 60
- Level
- RQF Level 2
- Assessment
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Start date
- Any time
- Fees from
- £190 / month
What this qualification is
The Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner 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 9 months; accelerated completion in 6 months is offered on this programme where shown below. Fees from £950. 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.
You transition from an unverified helper to a registered practitioner authorized to legally assume responsibility for child welfare and learning outcomes. This qualification enables you to design structured developmental activities, enforce health and safety protocols, and deliver professional assessments to parents and senior staff, allowing you to bypass entry-level probation periods and secure contracts with multinational education groups that require formal certification for insurance and accreditation.
This pathway is designed for career-switchers in Nigeria, the UAE, and Southeast Asia who currently work in hospitality, retail, or administration and are ready to exit low-wage, high-turnover roles. It targets nannies, au pairs, and informal caregivers with one to three years of hands-on experience who lack the formal documentation required to enter the regulated sector. If you are being overlooked for senior positions because your CV lacks recognized training, this diploma provides the immediate, assignment-based proof of competence that employers demand.
- Regulation: Ofqual, RQF Level 2
- Credits: 60
- Units: 8
- Duration: 9 months (accelerated 6 months)
Key facts
- Qualification:
- Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
- Level:
- RQF Level 2
- Credits:
- 60
- Study mode:
- 100% online
- Duration:
- 9 months
- Assessment:
- Assignment-based (no written exams)
- Fees from:
- £190 / 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
Diagnose developmental variances accurately to tailor inclusive intervention strategies that align with global early years standards.
Communication and Language Development in Young Children
Apply evidence-based methodologies to accelerate language acquisition and support neurodiverse learners in diverse international classrooms.
Health, Safety and Wellbeing in the Early Years
Design and enforce rigorous risk-management protocols that meet global safeguarding requirements and protect institutional liability.
Planning and Implementing Activities for Young Children
Design curriculum-aligned learning experiences that drive measurable cognitive outcomes, demonstrating your value as a results-oriented educational leader.
Observing and Recording the Behaviour of Young Children
Translate behavioral data into actionable support plans to drive evidence-based decision-making in senior pedagogical roles.
Partnership and Collaboration with Parents and Carers
Navigate complex family dynamics to build stakeholder trust, ensuring high retention and reputation in competitive international markets.
Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Implement inclusive frameworks and adapt resources for diverse needs, positioning you to lead equity initiatives in global education sectors.
Understanding the Role of the Early Years Practitioner
Navigate regulatory compliance and ethical boundaries confidently to secure leadership positions within international early years organizations.
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
National Careers Service, Job profile: Teaching assistant. Data year: not stated on the page (retrieved 22 October 2026). Geography: UK. Occupation: Teaching assistant. Data type: Indicative annual salary, starter to experienced. Not measured earnings and not a statistical minimum or maximum. https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/teaching-assistant
These figures are the starter and experienced annual salaries stated on the National Careers Service profile. They are indicative, not measured earnings and not a statistical minimum or maximum. They are not the pay of people who completed this qualification. Actual pay varies by location, experience and employer. Completing this qualification does not guarantee employment or a salary in this range.
Indicative UK salary information for related occupations. Figures reflect the referenced occupation and data source, not guaranteed earnings after completing this qualification.
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 page9 monthsStandard mode | 6 monthsFast-track | |
|---|---|---|
| Total fee | £950 | £1,250 |
| Monthly | £190 × 5 | £416.67 + £416.67 + £416.66 (total £1,250) |
| Quarterly | £475 × 2 | — |
| Pay in full | £902.50 (save 5%) | £1,187.50 (save 5%) |
| Apply | Apply |
- Monthly£190 × 5
- Quarterly£475 × 2
- Pay in full£902.50 (save 5%)
- 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.
Insights and Q&A
Extra detail beyond this page — written for learners researching fees, assessment and outcomes.
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 9 months (Standard mode, £950); 6 months (Fast-track, £1,250). 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
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