Course Overview

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Qualification Overview

The classes are 2 days per week.
To gain this qualification, learners must achieve a total of 37 credits from all 14 mandatory units.
Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement to show competence in both knowledge and skills.
Placement opportunity must allow for skills application with babies and young children sufficient to meet the assessment criteria for the qualification.

Funding criteria

This is course is delivered in partnership with the East Berkshire Community Learning and Skills Service, Slough Borough Council and the RBWM.
Free funding is available to learners who meet the eligibility criteria below:

– Resident within the boroughs of Slough or RBWM
– Unemployed or in receipt of low income (less than £22,308 per year)
– Resident in the UK continuously for 3 years or more (exceptions apply for refugees)
– In receipt of state benefits (Universal Credit, JSA, etc.)
– Have Right to Work in the UK
– Aged 19 years+
– Not being on an apprenticeship

Progression opportunities

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On completion, learners can work under supervision as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner and will count towards the Level 2 staff‑to‑child ratio in early years settings.

Typical job roles include:

Early Years Practitioner
Nursery Assistant
Pre‑school Practitioner
Classroom or Learning Support Assistant

Learners can also progress to Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications or other relevant Level 3 childcare pathways.

Qualification Reference Number (QRN)

603/3723/0

Total qualification time (TQT):

370

Guided learning hours (GLH)

293

Accreditation

Ncfe CACHE

Mode of Delivery

Blended

Entry requirements:

Learners must be 16 years of age or over

Learners must be working, volunteering, or on a practical placement in an early years setting

The placement must allow learners to demonstrate skills with children aged birth to 5 years

Learners must successfully complete an initial assessment prior to enrolment

Mandatory Units

To achieve the qualification, learners must complete:

37 credits in total
14 mandatory units

All units are compulsory to ensure learners meet the full occupational entry requirements for early years practice.

Assessment

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Assessment is internally assessed and externally quality assured by NCFE CACHE. Methods include:

Direct observation in the workplace
A portfolio of evidence
Written tasks and reflective accounts

All assessment is carried out in line with NCFE CACHE assessment requirements.

Real Work Environment (RWE)

We recommend learners complete 250 placement hours whilst undertaking this qualification.