The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner is designed for learners who want to start a career in the early years sector. This qualification provides the knowledge and practical skills required to work with babies and young children from birth to 5 years, with applied understanding of child development up to age 7.
The course fully meets the Department for Education (DfE) Level 2 Early Years Practitioner (EYP) criteria, enabling learners to count towards the Level 2 ratio within early years settings in England. It is an ideal entry route for those seeking employment or progression within childcare and early years education.
Learners will develop the core knowledge, skills and behaviours required to work effectively and safely in early years settings, including:
The qualification aligns with the Early Years Practitioner occupational standard, ensuring learners are job‑ready on completion.
This qualification is suitable for learners who are:
No previous childcare qualifications or experience are required to enrol.
This qualification is typically completed over 6 months, depending on learner experience, study mode, and placement availability.
This qualification is accredited by NCFE CACHE, a leading UK awarding organisation specialising in childcare, early years, and health and social care qualifications. NCFE CACHE qualifications are widely recognised by employers, Ofsted‑regulated settings, and local authorities across the UK.
This course is fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) for eligible residents of Slough and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM), funded by Slough Borough Council.
The Adult Skills Fund is a government‑backed funding programme designed to help adults aged 19 and over gain skills that lead to employment or further learning. Funding eligibility is based on factors such as age, residency, prior qualifications, and employment or income status.
👉 What is the Adult Skills Fund? – NCFE
Our team will confirm eligibility as part of the enrolment and initial assessment process, so learners are supported every step of the way.
If you do not meet the Adult Skills Fund eligibility criteria, live outside Slough or RBWM, or would prefer to self‑fund, you are still welcome to enrol on this course.
Please contact us directly for:
Our team will be happy to help you explore your options and support you with the enrolment process.
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:
Learners can also progress to Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications or other relevant Level 3 childcare pathways.
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- 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
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. Full details of the units and learning outcomes can be found in the official NCFE CACHE qualification specification (PDF)
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.
This qualification includes practical skills assessment. Learners must complete a minimum of 250 placement hours in an early years setting to demonstrate competence in both knowledge and skills.
