About this qualification

This is an additional specialist qualification. It provides learners with the knowledge and understanding of welfare and safeguarding requirements for babies and children in line with the early years statutory framework.

The qualification builds on the outcomes within the Early Years Practitioner occupational standard (ST0888).

Who is it suitable for?

This qualification has been developed for early years professionals who are working in the role of designated safeguarding officer or who are interested in finding out more or preparing to take on this role.

What are the entry requirements?

This qualification is designed for early years practitioners and early years educators. The learner must be working within an early years setting to be able to meet the assessment requirements of this qualification.

Learners must be aged 16 or above to undertake this qualification and be working within an early years setting. There are no specific prior skills/knowledge a learner must have for this qualification. However, learners may find it helpful if they have already achieved a level 2 qualification.

How is this qualification structured?

This qualification is comprised of three mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

This qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured via a portfolio of evidence.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

This qualification can be completed in under one year.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

The learner must be working within an early years setting to be able to meet the assessment requirements of this qualification.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

On completion, learners can progress onto qualifications within the following areas:

• safeguarding
• early years education
• teaching and learning

Career opportunities

On completion, learners can progress onto the following job roles:

• early years designated safeguarding officer
• safeguarding trainer
• early years educator
• teaching and learning practitioner

Funding for our qualifications

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