About this qualification

This qualification covers a range of key subject areas that provide learners with the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to care for and educate children aged between 0 and 11 years 11 months old. It has been designed to support learners to progress on to Level 3 qualifications across a number of sectors, including the Early Years Educator sector, the Supporting Teaching and Learning sector, and the Children and Young People sector. It also contains significant transferable knowledge for the Health and Social Care sector. In addition, centres can deliver this qualification as part of a full study programme (alongside, for example, GCSE English and Mathematics).

This qualification is a direct replacement for the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Technical Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings (603/3292/X).

This new Level 2 certificate contains all of the same units as the technical certificate, but is internally assessed, does not carry performance points and recommends slightly less Guided Learning Hours (mainly due to the removal of the external assessment).

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 or above who would like an introduction to both early years and primary settings in order to progress onto further education or into the workplace.

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

How is this qualification structured?

There are 6 mandatory units to complete.

How is it assessed?

This qualification is internally assessed through a portfolio of evidence. There is also a mandatory Professional Skills Record which must be completed during the work placement.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

This qualification has a minimum requirement of 120 work placement hours. However, we recommend learners undertake at least 200 work placement hours.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

This qualification allows progression onto Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications and other Level 3 qualifications relating to Childcare, Health and Social Care or Supporting Teaching and Learning.

Career opportunities

This qualification is designed as entry to the workforce at Level 2 and may support progression into a range of job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors.

Funding for our qualifications

Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.