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
EYP M0 Principles of professional practice (D/651/2671)
EYP M1 Roles and responsibilities of the early years practitioner (F/651/2672)
EYP M2 Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years (H/651/2673)
EYP M3 Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in early years settings (J/651/2674)
EYP M4 Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in early years settings (K/651/2675)
EYP M5 Understand how to support children’s development (L/651/2676)
EYP M6 Support care routines for babies and young children (M/651/2677)
EYP M7 Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes (R/651/2678)
EYP M8 Promote play in an early years setting (T/651/2679)
EYP M9 Support wellbeing of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles (D/651/2680)
EYP M10 Support babies and young children to be physically active (F/651/2681)
EYP M11 Support the needs of babies and young children with special educational needs and disability (SEND) (H/651/2682)
EYP M12 Promote positive behaviour in early years settings (J/651/2683)
EYP M13 Partnership working in the early years (K/651/2684)
EYP M14 Support the needs of the child in preparing for school (L/651/2685)
Optional units
EYP OP1 Working as part of a professional team (M/651/2686)
EYP OP2 Preparing for employment in an early years setting (R/651/2687)
EYP OP3 Reflective and reflexive practice (T/651/2688)
EYP OP4 Communication in an early years setting (Y/651/2689)
EYP OP5 Sustainability in an early years setting (F/651/2690)
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.
