Start a free online Level 2 childcare course and build your understanding of how to care for children and young people. You’ll explore young children’s development, the value of play, early learning, safeguarding and healthy nutrition.
This course is suitable for adults who want to develop introductory childcare knowledge, support CPD or take an early step towards further study in childcare, early years or education support.
Free for eligible learners. Certificate included on completion.
This course may be fully funded for eligible learners through the Adult Skills Fund.
Availability can depend on your location, eligibility and current funding options.
Learn to care for children and young people in 6–12 weeks.
Gain a nationally recognised, accredited Level 2 qualification.
Fully funded for eligible adults through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF).
By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:
Your free course is split into manageable units.
There are no exams. You will complete assessment questions based on the skills and knowledge you have gained from the course units below:
Explore the stages of young children’s development from birth to three years and how positive environments can support development.
Understand why play matters to young children and explore different play activities for children from birth to five years old.
Learn how creativity, imagination, books, stories and practical activities can support early learning and development.
Understand key safeguarding principles, including how to respond to concerns, illness, injury, bullying or suspected harm.
Build your understanding of food labels, balanced diets and nutrition information when supporting healthy food choices for children.
This free online childcare course introduces key topics linked to caring for children and young people.
You’ll explore young children’s development, the value of play, the importance of creativity and imagination, safeguarding and how food and nutrition information can support healthy choices.
The course is suitable for beginners and does not require previous childcare training. It may support personal development, CPD, further study or confidence in childcare, early years, education support or family-focused settings.
You’ll study online with tutor support and complete assessment questions based on the course units. There are no exams.
On successful completion, you’ll gain a Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People.
This course is suitable for adults who want to:
Learn in confidence with support from a qualified tutor throughout the course.
Join thousands of learners in growing both professionally and personally.
The early years of a child’s life help build the foundations for future learning, confidence and wellbeing.
Source: gov.uk
Your 3 simple steps to qualification…
You can begin your stress-free journey to qualification by completing the short form on this page.
Once submitted, we’ll instantly match you with a relevant training provider based on your location to complete your enrolment.
Enjoy a flexible and engaging learning experience through an award-winning online platform with support from a qualified tutor.
You can access first-class resources, interactive case studies, and support tools. All available on any device, anytime.
Your nationally recognised level 2 certificate proves you’ve developed essential new skills and in-depth knowledge. The qualification is accredited by either NCFE or TQUK, depending on your location.
It’s a powerful personal achievement that boosts confidence, enhances employability, supports CPD and opens the door to further study or career progression.
This course is for anyone interested in caring for children and young people. It could be a useful first step towards:
This course does not guarantee employment or replace employer-specific, local authority, DBS or statutory requirements. Some childcare and early years roles may require further qualifications, experience or checks.
Watch recent video testimonials from our learners.
This course is fully funded for eligible learners in England through the UK Government’s Adult Skills Fund.
Your course will be delivered online by one of our approved training provider partners, depending on your location.
Last year, we helped over 140,000 people enrol on free courses. Start yours today…
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Check Your Eligibility
*View visa restrictions
Funding isn’t available for Skilled Worker visas, Student visas, Graduate visas, Sponsorship (skilled/seasonal) visas, or any visa with a study restriction.
If this applies, you won’t be eligible for funding.
Start Your Enrolment
Yes, this course is free for eligible learners. Funding is subject to eligibility, location and availability.
Yes, this is an online childcare course. You’ll study remotely and receive tutor support.
Yes, you’ll receive a Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People upon successful completion of the course.
Yes, this is a Level 2 certificate that introduces caring for children and young people. It covers child development, play, safeguarding, welfare and nutrition.
No, this course is not an NVQ. Some learners still search for “NVQ Level 2 childcare” when looking for childcare courses, but this course is a Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People.
This course can support introductory childcare knowledge and further study, but it does not guarantee employment. Some childcare roles may require further qualifications, experience, DBS checks or employer-specific requirements.
It may be a useful first step if you are interested in nursery assistant or childcare support roles. You should check job descriptions carefully because employers may ask for specific qualifications, experience or checks.
The course covers young children’s development, the value of play, early learning, safeguarding, welfare and food and nutrition information.
No, this course is suitable for beginners. You do not need previous childcare training to apply.
No, there are no exams. You’ll complete assessment questions based on what you learn during the course.
The course usually takes 6 to 12 weeks, based on around 5 to 10 recommended study hours per week.
Yes, the course may support CPD and personal development for adults interested in childcare, education, care or support settings.
You can usually only take one funded course at a time. The number of courses you can take in an academic year may depend on eligibility, funding availability and provider rules.
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TQUK qualifications are delivered by The Skills Network.
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