Raising the bar for baby care: how specialist training can help practitioners meet the needs of under twos

The first two years of a child’s life are critical. Rapid brain development, attachment formation, and sensory exploration during this period lay the foundation for lifelong learning, emotional wellbeing, and physical health.  

Research highlights the importance of the first 1,000 days, when the brain forms over a million neural connections per second. Quality care, interaction, and environments profoundly shape a child’s development, with secure attachments, stimulating surroundings, and responsive interactions as essential building blocks. 

For practitioners, this means fostering secure relationships that support emotional connections, creating spaces that encourage sensory exploration, and guiding learning through nurturing interactions. These foundational practices are not only vital for the child but also set the tone for broader developmental milestones in later years. 

However, many practitioners lack access to specialised training that equips them with the skills and knowledge to provide this level of care. In the absence of focused professional development, the youngest and most vulnerable children in early years settings risk missing out on the enriching experiences they need to thrive. 

Meeting the need for specialist training 

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework highlights the necessity of focused training for those working with babies. It states that: 

• At least half of all staff in baby rooms must have received training that specifically addresses the care of babies. 

• The lead practitioner in rooms catering to under-twos must have demonstrable experience and expertise in working with this age group. 

These guidelines reflect a growing awareness of the complexity and significance of working with babies and the need to equip practitioners with the expertise to meet their needs. Yet, while these requirements set clear expectations, they also highlight a gap in current training and professional development opportunities available to the early years workforce. 

The changing landscape of early years care 

Policy changes and demographic shifts are amplifying the demand for specialised training in baby care. For example, the Government’s introduction of free childcare places for babies from nine months of age will create additional pressures on the sector. Early years settings will need to ensure that their workforce has the confidence and competence to provide high-quality care for a growing number of very young children. 

At the same time, advances in neuroscience and child development research have deepened our understanding of what babies need to flourish. Practitioners must not only meet regulatory standards but also embrace best practices informed by the latest evidence. This dual challenge of compliance and excellence makes specialised training more important than ever. 

Introducing a new standard in baby care training 

Recognising this need, NCFE has recently developed the Level 3 Award in Working with Babies and Young Children Under 2 Years. This qualification has been carefully designed to address gaps in training and to equip practitioners with the skills and knowledge to deliver exceptional care for under-twos. 

The award integrates key statutory frameworks such as Development Matters and Birth to 5 Matters, ensuring that learners are prepared to navigate both mandatory requirements and best-practice guidelines. It also emphasises practical application, allowing practitioners to evaluate their own approaches and refine their practice in line with the latest research. 

The development of this qualification has been a truly collaborative effort, shaped by insights from industry professionals and educators. Partners such as South Devon College and Cassie Holland of the Bristol Early Years Teaching Hub played a pivotal role in ensuring that the qualification reflects the real-world needs of practitioners and settings. 

I recently spoke with Katrina Perkins from South Devon College, who explained to me the importance of aligning training with both local and national priorities. She said: “This new qualification addresses the evolving needs of early years education, ensuring Ofsted compliance while supporting recent government funding changes for babies in early years settings.  

“By partnering with the local authority, we’ll align the course with regional childcare priorities, meeting both local and national standards. Ongoing consultations will ensure the curriculum adapts as regulations and funding change.  

“This qualification will help create a skilled workforce ready to deliver exceptional care for babies under two. I’m incredibly proud to have been part of developing this qualification – it’s something that will make a real difference to the quality of early years care and the success of local childcare providers.” 

Building a stronger workforce 

For practitioners, the qualification offers a pathway to enhance their skills, meet statutory requirements, and advance their careers. For early years settings, it provides an opportunity to raise the quality of care and education while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. 

Most importantly, the qualification contributes to the broader goal of building a more confident, competent, and capable early years workforce – one that is equipped to meet the needs of the youngest children during their most formative years. 

The path ahead 

The recently launched Level 3 Award in Working with Babies and Young Children Under 2 Years represents more than a response to regulatory changes. It’s a proactive step towards elevating the standard of care provided to babies and young children, ensuring that every child receives the nurturing, responsive care they deserve. 

At NCFE, we’re proud to lead this change. Through collaboration with educators, employers, and policymakers, we are committed to supporting the workforce and improving outcomes for babies and young children across the country.  

Together, we can create a future where every child – from their very first days – has the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

You can learn more about our new Level 3 Award in Working with Babies and Young Children Under 2 Years by clicking here.