This Level 2 HACCP for Early Years course introduces childcare and catering professionals to the practical application of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point principles. It explains how HACCP protects young children by identifying, monitoring and controlling food safety hazards throughout food production and service. Designed specifically for nurseries, pre-schools and childminding settings, this version aligns HACCP processes with Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) expectations and the unique needs of babies and toddlers.
The training covers hazard analysis, critical control points, monitoring, corrective action and documentation, with clear examples adapted to early years environments. Learners finish with the confidence to maintain a safe food management system, meet legal requirements and demonstrate due diligence during inspections.
Course Level: 2 / Intermediate Reference: AHACCPEY2SFG25 Accreditations: Qualifi, CPD Certificate: Instant PDF download
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What you'll learn
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The purpose of food safety management systems
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HACCP principles and how they apply in Early Years settings
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How to identify biological, physical, chemical and allergenic hazards
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How to establish and monitor critical control points
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Safe corrective action when food safety controls fail
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Verification, validation and maintaining an effective HACCP plan
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Record-keeping for due diligence and EYFS compliance
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How HACCP supports legal and childcare requirements
Who should take this Level 2 HACCP course?
This HACCP Early Years course is suitable for:
- Nursery and preschool cook
- Childminders providing meals and snacks
- Kitchen assistants and catering staff
- Early Years supervisors and managers
- Practitioners involved in food handling
- Anyone responsible for food safety under EYFS
It is designed for childcare settings that prepare, serve or handle food for young children and need a clear, practical understanding of HACCP principles.
Course overview
The Early Years HACCP course follows the national Level 2 HACCP syllabus, adapted to the needs of nurseries, pre-schools and home-based childcare. Learners explore how HACCP supports consistent food safety practice, the unique risks associated with feeding young children, and the documentation needed to meet EYFS and legal expectations.
This chapter introduces why food safety management systems are required in law, how they support consistent standards across Early Years settings and their importance in maintaining safe food provision for children.
Learners explore the seven HACCP principles, where they originated and how they are used today to prevent contamination at every stage of the food journey in nurseries and childcare kitchens.
This chapter explains biological, physical, chemical and allergenic hazards, with examples tailored to Early Years settings. Learners identify potential hazards and explore appropriate control measures to reduce risk.
Learners understand what a critical control point is, how CCPs are determined in Early Years food preparation and service, and how critical limits support safe cooking, chilling and storage.
This chapter covers how to monitor CCPs effectively, the tools and checks used in childcare settings and the appropriate corrective action to take when controls fail.
Learners explore the difference between verification and validation, how to ensure HACCP procedures remain effective and the role of internal reviews, equipment calibration and supervision.
This chapter highlights the importance of accurate record keeping for due diligence, traceability and EYFS compliance. Learners explore both digital and paper-based systems used in childcare settings.
This final chapter brings all principles together into a practical, step-by-step guide to implementing a HACCP plan tailored to nurseries, pre-schools and childminders. It includes EYFS links and adaptations for infant food, heating practices and safe meal service.
Over 50 forms and guides to help you produce your own food safety management system based on HACCP.
Do I have to do any other courses first?
No prior qualifications are required. However, it’s recommended that learners have a basic foundation in food safety, gained through experience in their role or by completing a Level 2 Food Safety course.
Course features
Try our sample chapter - Introduction to HACCP
Frequently asked questions
You have 30 days from registration to complete your Level 2 HACCP training. Business customers purchasing multiple licences have 12 months to assign them, and each learner then has a 30-day window to complete the course.
Most learners complete this Level 2 HACCP for Early Years course in two to four hours, depending on experience. A minimum study period applies to unlock the final exam. Learners who already have strong HACCP knowledge may be able to use the FastTrack option. If the pre-exam assessment is passed, the final exam can be taken without completing the full study time.
You will receive unlimited free exam retakes. The exam includes 20 multiple-choice questions, and the pass mark is 16/20. If you do not pass, you will receive guidance on which topics to review before resitting.
Yes. The course aligns with UK food safety law, HACCP requirements and EYFS expectations. It has been developed with input from Environmental Health professionals.
Yes. The course is fully responsive and can be completed on any device.
Yes. You can download your digital certificate instantly after passing the final exam.
This HACCP Early Years course is CPD-accredited. It supports staff competence and due diligence but is not an Ofqual-regulated qualification.
Our awarding bodies
Quality assurance is an important part of Safer Food Group training. We use external experts to review and accredit our courses for academic rigour, fit for purpose, accuracy and currency. This means that you can trust The Safer Food Group to deliver high quality, effective training.
SFG courses are endorsed by Qualifi, an Ofqual registered academic awarding body. Qualifi's focus is qualifications that meet the demands of employers and learners both vocationally and academically.
All SFG courses carry CPD credits. This means that CPD UK has verified SFG training is of suitable quality and content to count towards Continued Professional Development.
