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Early Years/Childcare

The aim of this qualification is to provide you with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years of age, including child development, health and safety, safeguarding, equality and diversity, SEN, play, behaviour and health and physical needs. This will also help prepare you for some of the core modules that will be studied on the Level 3 T Level: Education.

The qualification content meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 2 full and relevant criteria for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the workforce.
To gain this qualification you must achieve a total of 37 credits from all 14 mandatory units. You must also complete your work placement, where you will be working with children, and show progression in your study skills and English and maths.

  • Entry requirements

    You must be aged 16-18 or have an ECHP if you are aged between 16-22 years old.
    We do not set any other entry requirements for the course but there will be an interview when you apply and references will be required.

  • Who is the course for?

    This qualification is for students who would like to be given the opportunity to apply their knowledge directly to the early years (0-5 years).

    It is ideal if you are interested in improving your employability skills while learning about working with children and if you are interested in studying a Level 3 course, such as the T Level, but need to spend a year improving your employability skills, English and maths, and your overall knowledge of childcare.

    It has been designed to help you improve the key skills needed for employment in the childcare industry.

    You do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to take this qualification.

    You will gain skills in communication, teamwork, following procedures, recording of child observations and planning activities through a compulsory work placement.

  • Study methods

    Cache have recommended a selection of teaching methodologies, in addition to this a range of tried and tested strategies that create an active classroom are in place. Strategies in place to reduce cognitive load including the use of worked examples, reducing inessential information and increasing independent problem-solving for learners as they become more efficient.

  • How is the course assessed?

    Assessment is carried out at the end of each unit to confirm understanding. All students undertake a work placement across the year in suitable early year’s settings, the placement should include babies and young children and you will be assessed in placement. All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge based outcomes can be assessed using non–mandatory assessment tasks provided for tutors’ convenience in this specification. Skills based outcomes must be achieved with reference to a real work environment and must include direct observation within the workplace. You will also have a short exam at the end of the year.

  • More information

    1 year full time course including placement hours

  • Where Next – Job Opportunities

    This counts towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce. You can work under supervision in a range of roles including nursery practitioner, classroom assistant and pre-school practitioner.

  • Where Next – Further Studies

    Successful completion enables you to progress onto Level 3 Early Years Educator programmes and other relevant Level 3 qualifications including the new Level 3 Early Years T Level Qualification at Uxbridge College.

  • How to apply

    To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit

    OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
    When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.

Course starting Sep 2024

Starts 2 September 2024

Duration 1 Year(s)

Location Hayes Campus

Days/Time Monday-Friday
09:00 - 17:00