Children and Young People's Workforce (Youth Social Worker Pathway) - Level 2
Summary
Are you ready to take the next step toward a fulfilling career supporting children and young people? This course equips you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to work confidently in a variety of settings, including early years education, residential care, and youth services. This course is ideal for those who are new to the sector or currently working under supervision and want to build a strong foundation for future progression.
Throughout the course, you’ll explore a wide range of topics that are vital to working effectively with children and young people from birth to 19 years. These include child development, safeguarding and protection, health and safety, equality and inclusion, and effective communication. You’ll also gain insight into the responsibilities of supporting learning, promoting positive behaviour, and working in partnership with families and professionals.
This qualification is designed to prepare you for real-world roles in children’s settings, helping you develop the confidence, competence, and understanding needed to make a meaningful difference in young lives. Whether you’re aiming to move directly into employment or progress to a Level 3 qualification, this course is your gateway to a rewarding and impactful career.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
11 Jan 2027
|
Bispham Campus
|
20 Weeks
|
Looking to build a career in Teaching, Early Years or Health & Social Care?
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
This course is a key qualification for those aspiring to work in a wide range of roles within children’s services, including early years education, residential care, and youth support. It provides the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to work under supervision with children and young people from birth to 19 years.
This course also forms the foundation for further study and progression within the Youth Social Worker Pathway, which includes the following courses.
YOUTH SOCIAL WORKER PATHWAY
- Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young People's Settings (Youth Social Worker Pathway) - Level 1
- Alcohol Awareness (Youth Social Worker Pathway) - Level 1
- Stress Awareness (Youth Social Worker Pathway) - Level 1
- Awareness of Substance Misuse (Youth Social Worker Pathway) - Level 1
Employment Opportunities
Upon completing this course, students will be well-prepared to apply for a variety of entry-level roles across the children’s care and education sectors. These roles typically involve working under supervision and supporting the development, safety, and well-being of children and young people. Potential job titles include:
Residential Childcare Worker | Youth Support Worker | Early Years Practitioner | Nursery Assistant | Classroom Assistant |Playgroup Assistant | Childminding Assistant | Family Support Worker (Trainee) | Children’s Centre Assistant | Support Worker in Children’s Services
Key information
Entry Requirements
Technical Entry Requirements:
- Age: 19 years or over (19+)
Additional Non-Qualification-Based Entry Requirements:
- Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement as they will need to show competence in both knowledge and skills. We recommend a placement which offers around 200 hours experience.
- DBS Check: While a DBS check is not required for enrolment on the course, it is essential for those seeking employment working with children and young people. As an Enhanced DBS Check is required for working with children and young people, this will need to be applied for by the employer as individuals cannot apply for Enahnced DBS Checks. For more information on DBS Checks including costs, please visit the gov.uk website and search 'DBS'.
These entry requirements ensure that students are adequately prepared for the course and any subsequent employment opportunities in settings involving children and young people. Additionally, students should have a basic level of proficiency in English and Maths.
Qualification obtained
Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce (England)Fees and funding
Whilst many adult courses are fully funded for 19+ learners, funding can depend both on the course itself and/or the learner's personal circumstances, including their current income levels and previous qualifications.
To find out if you might be eligible for full or partial funding or for an Advanced Learner Loan (Level 3 qualifications only), please visit our Financial Support section. You will also find more information here about additional financial support you might be entitled to such as help to cover childcare and equipment costs.
Extra costs and equipment
There are no additional equipment costs associated with this course.
What will I learn?
This qualification provides the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to work effectively with children and young people from birth to 19 years. You’ll study a range of core topics through mandatory units, including:
- Building positive relationships with children and young people
- Effective communication in care and educational settings
- Child and young person development across different age stages
- Creating safe, supportive environments
- Health and safety in children’s settings
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Personal development and reflective practice
- Working in partnership with families and professionals
- Promoting equality and inclusion
- Supporting positive behaviour
- Contributing to development and learning
You may also choose from optional units to tailor your learning to specific interests or career goals. This course blends theory with practical application, preparing you for real-world roles in the children and young people’s workforce.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
Guest Speakers: The programme is enriched by guest speakers from the industry, providing valuable insights and real-world perspectives. These industry experts share their experiences and knowledge, enhancing the learning experience and offering students a unique opportunity to engage with professionals in the field.
How will I learn?
Our courses are delivered through a blended learning approach, combining the flexibility of digital resources with the benefits of face-to-face teaching. While some elements of the course may be accessed online, this is not an online-only course—you will be required to attend in-person sessions at scheduled times throughout the programme.
Teaching takes place in hybrid classrooms, allowing for interactive, tutor-led sessions that support both classroom-based and remote participation when appropriate. The programme primarily focuses on developing your theoretical knowledge, supported by practical, hands-on activities that help you apply what you’ve learned to real-world care scenarios.
This flexible yet structured approach ensures that you receive the guidance, peer interaction, and practical experience needed to succeed in the health and social care sector.
Expert tutors
All tutors involved in the delivery of adult courses within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.
Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich our students’ learning experience and enable them them to get the inside track on what working in the industry is really like.
How will I be assessed?
Students will be assessed through a combination of methods designed to evaluate their understanding and practical application of the course material. The assessment process is structured to ensure that students can demonstrate their knowledge and skills effectively.
Assessment Methods:
- Portfolio of Evidence: Throughout the course, students will compile a portfolio of evidence that showcases their learning and achievements. This portfolio will include various forms of assessment such as written assignments, case studies, and practical tasks
- Written Assignments: These assignments will test students' understanding of theoretical concepts and their ability to apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios
- Case Studies: Students will analyse specific situations related to childhood illnesses, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and ability to provide appropriate care and support
Grading:
- The course is assessed on a pass or fail basis. Students must meet all the assessment criteria for each unit to achieve a pass
- The portfolio of evidence is a crucial component of the assessment process, as it provides comprehensive proof of the student's competence and understanding