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This qualification is approved for 2025, 2026 and 2027 performance tables. For more information please see the performance tables quick guide under support materials.
About this qualification
The Level 1/2 Technical Award in Child Development and Care in the Early Years is designed for learners who want an introduction to child development and care that includes a vocational and project-based element. The qualification will appeal to learners who wish to pursue a career in the early years sector or progress onto further study.
Who is it suitable for?
This qualification is designed for learners aged 14 to 16 in schools and colleges, but is also accessible for post-16 learners.
What are the entry requirements?
There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification.
How is this qualification structured?
To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully demonstrate the knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of all 9 mandatory content areas.
How is it assessed?
The qualification has 2 assessments externally-set by NCFE: one non-exam assessment and one written examined assessment. Only one attempt at each assessment is permitted.
How long will it take to complete this qualification?
It is recommended that this qualification is delivered over 2 years.
What related qualifications can you progress to?
Learners who achieve at level 1 might consider progression to level 2 qualifications post-16, such as:
• GCSE in Childcare • GCSE in Health and Social Care • study at level 2 in a range of technical routes that have been designed for progression to employment, apprenticeships and further study
Learners who achieve at level 2 might consider progression to level 3 qualifications post-16, such as:
• Level 3 Applied Generals • Level 3 Technical Levels including T Level programmes (this will support progression to employment and higher education)
Career opportunities
Learners could progress into employment or onto an apprenticeship. The understanding and skills gained through this qualification could be useful to progress onto an apprenticeship in the early years sector through a variety of occupations that are available within the sector, such as early years practitioners, early years educators and teaching assistants.
NCFE have password protected the latest external assessment past-paper, mark scheme and chief examiner report. You are now able to use these as current and valid mock assessments. To access the documents, you will need a Portal login. If you do not have a Portal login please contact your Portal administrator.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Resources
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 1 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 1.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 2 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 2.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 3 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 3.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 4 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 4.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 5 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 5.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 6 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 6.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 7 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 7.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 8 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 8.
Child Development and Care in the Early Years Content Area 9 Resource Pack
This resource pack contains a detailed Scheme of Work, comprehensive Learner Workbook, engaging PowerPoint presentations and a helpful Learner Quiz Workbook to support delivery of content area 9.