Childcare - Traineeship Level 2

Essentials

Duration: 1 Year Full-time
Start date: 2nd September 2024
End date: 6th June 2025
Information Event: Yes

Course fee: FREE (Eligibility criteria may apply)

The NI Traineeship provides a high-quality vocational education and training programme for those who aspire to work within a specific sector.  Full details of the programme is available in our Traineeship page.

Course Content

The Level 2 Childcare Traineeship is designed to provide students with an awareness and appreciation of the children and young people sector and the differing childcare employment opportunities that are available. Students will be supported by professional staff who are experienced and enthusiastic about children’s care, learning and development. 

The course features a combination of work-based as well as classroom and project based learning.  Students will be guided in developing understanding and key skills which will be essential in order to secure future employment in the sector.  The course includes the study of important childcare theory; best practice and essential employment skills including communication and teamwork.   

Example units:

• Communication in the Early Years
• Health and Safety
• Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Child Development
• Additional Needs
• Introduction to Play
• Professional Practice
• Practical Early Years Project (End point assessment)
• Early Years frameworks
• Creativity in the Early Years
• Outdoor learning, risk and challenge
• Personal Care and Nutrition

Assessment Methods

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods which will include direct observation by a lecturer or assessor within the workplace written assignments and oral questions.

Course Update

Please note that due to ongoing major campus construction projects courses at Ballymena may be relocated to alternative suitable locations as required.

You must:

• Have a minimum of a Level 1 qualification defined as 4 GCSEs at grades D-G including Maths and English grades D-F or equivalent. However, most areas will require higher grades in Maths and English.  See our Traineeship page for specific grades for each vocational area.
• Attend an information session.  

On completion of the Traineeship, you can progress to a Level 3 further education course such as such as Level 3 Children’s Care Learning & Development or a Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship (possibly with your work placement employer).  This can lead you to Higher Education options.