About this qualification
The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years, with applied knowledge in the early years (birth to 5 years). It also provides introductory sector knowledge of professional practice to support wider contextual understanding of the early years practitioner route and optional units that provide learners with transferable employability skills.
This qualification contains knowledge and skills that meets the Department for Education’s (DfE’s) Early Years Practitioner (EYP) criteria in full and maps to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) within the Early Years Practitioner occupational standard in England.
Nested qualification
This qualification is part of a nested suite, including the following qualification:
- NCFE CACHE Level 2 Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner (Diploma) (610/4587/1).
Who is it suitable for?
This qualification is designed for learners looking to work with children between birth and 5 years, and gain knowledge of working with children up to 7 years. Learners do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification.
What are the entry requirements?
Learners must be at least 16 years old. We do not set any other entry requirements but centres may have their own guidelines.
How is this qualification structured?
To be awarded this qualification, learners are required to successfully achieve 45 credits – 39 credits from the 15 mandatory units, and a minimum of 6 credits from the optional units.
How is it assessed?
The assessment for the qualification is an internally assessed and externally quality assured portfolio of evidence.
How many credits are required to complete it?
45 credits.
How long will it take to complete this qualification?
This qualification can be completed in 1 to 2 years depending on the learner’s experience.
Do you need to be working to take this qualification?
Learners will need to be working or on a practical placement to be able to show competence in both knowledge and skills. It is recommended that learners complete 250 placement hours while undertaking this qualification.
What related qualifications can you progress to?
- further education:
- level 3 early years educator qualifications
Career opportunities
- early years practitioner
- classroom assistant
- pre-school practitioner
Funding for our qualifications
Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on our funding page.