NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in An Introduction to Early Years Settings
COURSE

NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in An Introduction to Early Years Settings

Start Your Journey into a Career in Childcare and Early Years Education

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If you’re interested in working with young children and making a positive difference to their learning and development, this programme provides the perfect introduction to the Early Years sector.

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in An Introduction to Early Years Settings has been designed to help learners develop an understanding of childcare environments, child development, safeguarding and professional practice whilst preparing for employment within nurseries, pre-schools and Early Years settings.

As part of our enhanced DWP-funded employability programme, learners will also gain additional workplace training, first aid certification and employability support to help them progress confidently into employment.

Why Choose This Programme?

The Early Years sector continues to experience significant recruitment demand, creating opportunities for individuals looking to begin a rewarding career supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

This programme has been designed to provide learners with:

  • A nationally recognised NCFE CACHE qualification
  • Sector-specific knowledge valued by employers
  • Paediatric First Aid training
  • Food Hygiene certification
  • Allergy and Anaphylaxis awareness training
  • Employability skills and interview preparation
  • Access to employer engagement activities
  • Progression routes into Nursery Assistant and Early Years Support roles

The programme combines accredited learning with practical workplace skills, helping learners develop the confidence and knowledge needed to take their first step into the childcare sector.

Upcoming Dates

NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in An Introduction to Early Years Settings

Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in An Introduction to Early Years Settings provides learners with an overview of the Early Years sector and the important role practitioners play in supporting young children’s learning, development and wellbeing.

Learners will develop an understanding of:

  • The different types of Early Years settings
  • The roles and responsibilities of Early Years practitioners
  • Supporting children’s learning and development
  • Safeguarding and child protection
  • Health, safety and wellbeing
  • Professional behaviour within childcare environments
  • The importance of play in children’s development
  • Working effectively with children, families and colleagues

This qualification provides an excellent introduction for those considering a career in childcare or wishing to progress to further Early Years training.

This course is suitable for a wide range of learners, including:

  • Individuals interested in working in early years settings
  • Learners with little or no prior experience in childcare
  • Young people or adults returning to learning
  • Learners with additional needs or English as an additional language

It is designed as a first step into the early years sector.

The programme is delivered through a structured online and face-to-face learning model designed to support progression into employment.

Online Delivery
  • 5 days per week
  • 9:00am to 3:00pm
  • Tutor-led online classroom sessions
Face-to-Face Training
  • Paediatric First Aid (2-day practical course)
  • Anaphylaxis Workshop
Programme Duration
  • 3 weeks of teaching and training
  • 1 additional week for assessment completion, portfolio building and certification

Total Programme Duration: 4 Weeks

This qualification is accredited by NCFE CACHE, one of the UK’s leading awarding organisations for education and childcare qualifications.

NCFE CACHE qualifications are:

  • Recognised by employers and childcare providers
  • Aligned to national standards and best practice
  • Designed to support career progression in early years

Learners referred through the DWP Low Value Purchase (LVP) programme will complete an enhanced training package designed to prepare them for employment within the Early Years sector.

  • NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in An Introduction to Early Years Settings (75 GLH | Online)
  • Paediatric First Aid (12 GLH | Face-to-Face)
  • Level 2 Food Hygiene and Safety (4 GLH | Online)
  • Anaphylaxis Workshop (2 GLH | Face-to-Face)
  • Employability Workshop (6 GLH | Online)

Total Guided Learning Hours: 99

The programme combines accredited learning, workplace training and employability support to help learners build the skills and confidence required to secure employment within the Early Years sector.

FUNDING CRITERIA
UK Government

For learners living in Berkshire, this qualification is fully funded through the Local Value Partnership (LVP), subject to eligibility criteria.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for this funded course, learners must:

  • Be aged 18 or over
  • Be referred through the Jobcentre
  • Reside in Berkshire

Exclusion criteria

Learners cannot enrol if they:

  • Are currently participating in the FedCap Restart Programme
  • Are unable to commit to the attendance requirements
  • Are not actively seeking progression into employment or further learning
  • Do not meet minimum digital or communication expectations

📞 Contact our team to check eligibility and secure your place.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria or are not referred through the Jobcentre, 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

Throughout the programme, learners will receive dedicated employability support to help them prepare for employment opportunities within the childcare sector.

Support includes:

  • CV development
  • Interview preparation
  • Job-search support
  • Employer engagement activities
  • Application support
  • Sector-specific employability skills

Learners who successfully complete the programme will be offered a guaranteed interview with Worldwide Education & Care.

This programme can support progression into roles including:

  • Nursery Assistant
  • Early Years Support Worker
  • Childcare Assistant
  • Play Worker
  • Preschool Support Assistant

The qualification also provides an excellent foundation for progression into further Early Years training.

Following successful completion, learners may progress to:

  • NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
  • Other NCFE CACHE Level 2 Early Years qualifications:
    • Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People
    • Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England)
    • Level 2 Diploma in Playwork
  • Teaching Assistant qualifications
  • Further safeguarding and specialist childcare training
  • Apprenticeships within Early Years settings

The programme has been designed to provide a clear pathway into employment and further learning within the childcare and education sectors.

Qualification Reference Number (QRN)

500/9747/7

Total qualification time (TQT):

60

Guided learning hours (GLH)

51

Accreditation

Ncfe CACHE

Mode of Delivery

Online

Entry requirements:

  • Learners must be 14 years of age or over as set by NCFE CACHE
  • Learners must successfully complete an initial assessment prior to enrolment

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

    Mandatory Units

    The Value of Play for Babies and Young Children (J/601/3734)

    Management and Organisation in an Early Years Setting (K/601/3743)

    Optional Units:

    Introduction to Community Development in Early Years Settings (H/601/3756)

    Roles and Responsibilities in an Early Years Setting (H/601/3806)

    Assessment

    All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. This could include optional tasks, coursework or portfolio of evidence.

    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. However, it's recommended that you should be volunteering in an early years setting.

    Ready to Start Your Career in Early Years?

    If you are interested in working with children, this programme provides an excellent introduction to the Early Years sector and a pathway towards employment.

    Register Your Interest Today

    Gain a nationally recognised qualification, practical workplace training and a guaranteed interview opportunity with a leading childcare employer.

    Limited funded places available | Guaranteed interview opportunity | Route into Early Years employment