Children's Care, Play, Learning & Development

L2 Level 2
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Core qualification has been designed for post-16 learners in Wales, working or seeking to work, in:

  • Regulated childcare settings with families and children under the age of 8.
  • NHS children's services for those working with families and children 0-19. This includes child health settings.

What you will study

The core covers the fundamental knowledge and understanding of the new All Wales Induction Framework for Early Years and Childcare and reflects a range of different roles and ages.

The Practice and Theory qualification combines theoretical knowledge in children's care, play, learning and development with the practical skills needed to work within the sector.

Topics include:

  • Supporting core practice in children’s care, play, learning and development.
  • Supporting play, learning, growth and development.
  • Supporting nutrition and hydration in early years.
  • Responding to signs of potential illness and infestation/infection
  • Children’s health, well-being and development, 0-19 years, and factors that support health, well-being and development.
  • The role and value of social care, education and health services available in Wales to support with children's care, health, well-being and development needs.

Learners are required to complete a minimum of 280 hours of work placement to achieve this qualification.

The Level 2 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development: Practice and Theory qualification is assessed through a combination of internal and external assessment. Candidates must successfully complete:

  • An externally set, internally marked set of tasks.
  • A portfolio of evidence.
  • A discussion with their assessor.
  • An external examination.

Entry requirements

3 GCSEs A* to C. C in English Language, D in Maths (GCSE numeracy is not accepted, however, learners with a level 2 Application of number qualification will be considered as an alternative to the D grade in GCSE Maths) Enhanced DBS check to be completed upon enrolment.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

20 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

CRCC2F02
L2

Qualification

Children's Care, Play, Learning & Development

More...

Videos
What our students say

"My tutors have been so supportive and lovely. After finishing this course, I hope to progress on to university to become a qualified primary school teacher."

Childcare
Rebecca Burrows
Level 3 Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development student
Bilingual Learning

Career prospects & further study

103,500

Currently, there are almost 103,500 people employed within this sector in the Cardiff Capital Region, with employment numbers expected to reach 105,000 by 2027 (Lightcast 2022).

Learners can progress on to our level 3 course in Childcare or gain an apprenticeship in the industry. 

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

City Centre Campus,

Dumballs Road,

Cardiff,

CF10 5FE