NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health
COURSE

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

603/2813/7

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Develop the Knowledge and Confidence to Support Children’s Mental Health

Children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing are increasingly recognised as fundamental to their development, learning and long-term life outcomes. This nationally recognised qualification is designed for professionals who work with, support or care for children and young people and want to deepen their understanding of mental health and wellbeing.

The course explores the factors that influence children’s emotional health, common mental health concerns experienced by children and young people, and the practical ways practitioners, parents and carers can provide effective support.

Whether you work in Early Years, education, childcare, health and social care, youth work or family support services, this qualification will provide valuable knowledge that can be applied immediately in practice.

Register Your Interest

Ready to develop your understanding of children’s mental health and make a positive difference to the lives of children and young people?
 

👉 Enquire now to find out more about delivery, funding options, and how to enrol.

Upcoming Dates

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People’s Mental Health

Qualification Overview

Mental health difficulties can affect children and young people of all ages, backgrounds and circumstances. Early recognition, understanding and appropriate support can make a significant difference to outcomes and wellbeing.

This qualification will help you to:

  • Develop a greater understanding of children’s mental health and wellbeing
  • Recognise factors that may affect emotional wellbeing and development
  • Understand common mental health concerns experienced by children and young people
  • Explore the impact of mental ill-health on learning, relationships and everyday life
  • Increase confidence when supporting children and families
  • Contribute to more nurturing, inclusive and supportive environments
  • Strengthen your professional knowledge and career development opportunities

The qualification is particularly valuable given the increasing focus on children’s wellbeing, emotional resilience and early intervention across education, childcare and health services.

The purpose of this qualification is to increase learners’ knowledge and awareness of children’s and young people’s mental health.

By completing the qualification, learners will develop knowledge of:

  • Children’s and young people’s mental health in context
  • Factors that may affect emotional wellbeing and mental health
  • Mental health concerns commonly associated with children and young people
  • The impact of mental ill-health on children and young people
  • Support available to maintain positive mental wellbeing and promote recovery and resilience

This qualification is ideal for:

  • Early Years practitioners
  • Nursery practitioners and Room Leaders
  • Teaching Assistants
  • School support staff
  • Youth workers
  • Family support workers
  • Childcare practitioners
  • Foster carers and support workers
  • Parents and carers
  • Anyone wishing to improve their understanding of children’s mental health

No practical placement is required, making this qualification accessible to both those already working with children and those looking to enter the sector.

This qualification is delivered through a flexible online learning model designed to fit around work, family and other commitments.

Unlike self-study distance learning courses, learners attend scheduled tutor-led sessions where concepts are explained, activities are completed and support is available throughout the programme.

Training is delivered online across two days per week, with learners attending virtual classes from:

9:00am to 3:00pm

Lessons are delivered in real-time by experienced tutors, providing a supportive and interactive learning experience.

The qualification contains 135 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and 156 Total Qualification Time (TQT). Learners should expect to dedicate regular time each week to reading, research and completing assessments.

As this is a knowledge-only qualification, learners do not need to be employed in the sector or complete a work placement to achieve the qualification.

This qualification is accredited by NCFE CACHE, a leading awarding organisation in the UK for education, childcare, and health and social care qualifications.

NCFE CACHE qualifications are:

  • Widely recognised by employers
  • Aligned to national standards and best practice
  • Designed to support career progression and employability
FUNDING CRITERIA
UK Government

Slough Borough Council

This qualification is funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) for the 2026/27 academic year and may be available free of charge to eligible learners. The qualification is aimed at adults who want to develop their knowledge of children’s and young people’s mental health and enhance their employment or career progression opportunities.

To access a fully funded place, learners must typically:

  • Be aged 19 or over on 31 August 2026
  • Live in Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead
  • Have been ordinarily resident in the UK, EEA or an eligible country for the required residency period
  • Have the right to live and study in the UK
  • Meet Adult Skills Fund funding eligibility requirements in force for the 2026/27 funding year

In addition, full funding is usually available to learners who:

  • Are unemployed and actively seeking work
  • Receive eligible benefits
  • Earn below the Government’s low wage threshold for ASF funding
  • Need to retrain, upskill or improve employment prospects

Funding eligibility will be confirmed during the enrolment process.

Not Sure If You’re Eligible?

Our team can carry out a free eligibility check and explain the funding options available to you.

If you do not meet the funding eligibility criteria, you may still be able to enrol on this course through self‑funding.

Please contact our team to:

  • Confirm the full course cost
  • Discuss payment options or instalment plans
  • Explore the most suitable route based on your circumstances
Progression opportunities

Upon successful completion, learners may wish to progress to further study in:

  • Children’s Mental Health
  • Supporting Teaching and Learning
  • Early Years Education
  • Health and Social Care
  • Family Support and Youth Work
  • Level 3 Mental Health qualifications

The qualification also provides valuable continuing professional development for practitioners already working with children and young people.

Qualification Reference Number (QRN)

603/2813/7

Total qualification time (TQT):

156

Guided learning hours (GLH)

135

Accreditation

Ncfe CACHE

Mode of Delivery

Online

Entry requirements:

  • Learners must be 16 years of age or over
  • Learners must successfully complete an initial assessment

👉 Please note: If you are applying for a funded place, additional eligibility criteria may apply.
Please refer to the Funding section for full details.

Mandatory Units

To achieve this qualification, learners are required to successfully complete all 5 mandatory units:

  1. Understand children and young people’s mental health in context
  2. Understand factors which may affect children and young people’s mental health
  3. Understand children and young people’s mental health concerns
  4. Understand the impact of children and young people’s mental health concerns
  5. Understand how to support children and young people with mental health concerns

Assessment

The qualification is internally assessed through:

  • A portfolio of evidence
  • Written assignments and tasks

There are no exams, and learners are supported throughout the course by a tutor.

Real Work Environment (RWE)

This is a knowledge‑only qualification, so learners do not need to be in employment or a placement to complete the course.

Take the next step towards developing your knowledge of children’s and young people’s mental health and gaining a nationally recognised qualification.

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Due to funding restrictions, only a limited number of funded places are available within each cohort. Early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.