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Course
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner
Course Info
About Course
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (QN: 603/3723/0)
Course Overview
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner is a nationally recognised qualification regulated by Ofqual. It is designed to prepare learners for a rewarding career in childcare and early years education. This course provides the essential knowledge and practical experience required to work confidently with children from birth to five years and to understand their development up to the age of seven.
On completion, you will be qualified to work as a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in settings such as nurseries, pre-schools and reception classes. The qualification also offers a direct progression route to the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care.
Who is this course for?
This qualification is suitable for individuals who are:
Starting their career and need an entry-level qualification to work under supervision with children aged 0–5.
Changing career and looking to enter the early years and childcare sector.
Working or volunteering in an early years setting and requiring a formal qualification to secure paid employment.
Parents or carers who wish to gain a professional understanding of child development, safeguarding and early learning.
What you will learn
Learners will develop a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and gain practical, work-based experience. The course covers the following key areas:
Child Development and Learning – Understand how children grow and learn from birth to seven years and plan engaging, age-appropriate play and learning activities.
Health, Safety and Safeguarding – Apply the statutory frameworks and maintain safe, healthy and nurturing environments for all children.
Equality and Behaviour Management – Promote inclusion, equality and diversity, and use positive strategies to encourage appropriate behaviour.
Care and Healthy Lifestyles – Support children’s personal care routines, healthy eating, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.
Professional Practice and SEND – Understand your role as an early years practitioner, work effectively with colleagues and families, and support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Course structure
Module
Core focus
Professional Role, Communication, Teamwork and Continuing Professional Development
Safeguarding, Protection, Health and Safety
Equality, Inclusion and Promoting Positive Behaviour
Child Development and Supporting Individual Needs (SEND)
Care Routines, Hygiene, Health and Healthy Lifestyles
Planning Activities, Enabling Environments and Transitions to School
The qualification includes 14 mandatory units totalling 37 credits.
Entry requirements
There are no formal academic requirements. However, learners must:
Secure a Real Work Environment (RWE) placement in a registered early years setting such as a nursery, pre-school or reception class.
Complete a minimum of 250 hours of practical work experience to produce required evidence.
Hold a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before starting placement.
Have a good standard of written and spoken English to complete assignments and communicate effectively in the workplace.
Assessment
Assessment combines written and practical evidence to demonstrate knowledge and competence.
Knowledge-based tasks: Written assignments, short answer questions and reflective accounts demonstrating understanding of childcare theory, legislation and best practice.
Practical evidence: Observations, activity plans, witness testimonies and professional discussions completed in the workplace.
The qualification is graded as Achieved or Not Achieved . Learners must successfully complete all 14 mandatory units (37 credits) to pass.
Career pathways and progression
Career opportunities Graduates can work in a range of early years settings in roles such as:
Early Years Assistant
Nursery Practitioner
Pre-School Assistant
Crèche Worker
Progression routes This qualification provides a direct progression route to:
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
Other Level 3 qualifications in childcare, education or health and social care
Why study with us
NCFE CACHE Approved Centre: Fully regulated and nationally recognised qualification.
Flexible Online Learning: Study at your own pace with 24-hour access to course materials.
Expert Tutor Support: Receive guidance from qualified assessors and IQAs with real industry experience.
Career-Focused Learning: Assignments and assessments are designed to develop practical skills for employment in early years settings.
Frequently asked questions
Is this qualification recognised? Yes. It is the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (QN: 603/3723/0), recognised by employers and education providers across the UK.
How long will the course take to complete? Most learners complete the qualification within 9–12 months, depending on placement hours and study commitment.
Do I need a work placement? Yes. You must complete at least 250 hours in a suitable early years setting to demonstrate your competence in practice.
Is the course theoretical or practical? It is a blend of both. You will complete written assignments and demonstrate your skills through workplace observations and evidence.
What age range does the qualification cover? The course focuses on children from birth to five years old, with additional learning about development up to seven years old.
What Will You Learn?
What you will learn
Learners will develop a strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and gain practical, work-based experience. The course covers the following key areas:
Child Development and Learning – Understand how children grow and learn from birth to seven years and plan engaging, age-appropriate play and learning activities.
Health, Safety and Safeguarding – Apply the statutory frameworks and maintain safe, healthy and nurturing environments for all children.
Equality and Behaviour Management – Promote inclusion, equality and diversity, and use positive strategies to encourage appropriate behaviour.
Care and Healthy Lifestyles – Support children’s personal care routines, healthy eating, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.
Professional Practice and SEND – Understand your role as an early years practitioner, work effectively with colleagues and families, and support children with special educational needs and disabilities.
Course Content
SECTION A – Assessment Workbook Brief and Guidance
SECTION B – Knowledge Tasks (Short Answers / Workbook Questions)
SECTION A – Assessment Workbook Brief and Guidance
SECTION B – Knowledge Tasks (Short Answers / Workbook Questions)
SECTION A – Assessment Workbook Brief and Guidance
SECTION B – Knowledge Tasks (Short Answers / Workbook Questions)
SECTION A – Assessment Workbook Brief and Guidance
SECTION B – Knowledge Tasks (Short Answers / Workbook Questions)
SECTION A – Assessment Workbook Brief and Guidance
SECTION B – Knowledge Tasks (Short Answers / Workbook Questions)
SECTION A – Assessment Workbook Brief and Guidance
SECTION B – Knowledge Tasks (Short Answers / Workbook Questions)
Pay Deposit
Pay in Full
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner - 3 Months
NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner - 6 Months
Pay a deposit of 43% (100% payable over 3 months)
Pay a deposit of 43% (100% payable over 6 months)
Related Courses
NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner.
NCFE Cache Level 3 Diploma in Early Years
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Working in the Early Years
Level 2 Diploma in Early Years Education and Childcare (RQF)
Join a Global Network of Ambitious Learners
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