NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education

Take your first step towards a rewarding future in childcare with our NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education. Discover how children grow, learn and develop; explore the importance of their health and wellbeing; and build a valuable foundation of knowledge for further study in early years education. Study online at your own pace, with expert tutor support whenever you need it.

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What you will learn

Below is an outline of the course material you will study:

Unit 1: Child development from conception to 7 years

Discover the fascinating journey of how children grow, learn, and develop from conception to age seven. In this unit, you’ll explore the key stages of physical, cognitive, emotional and language development, alongside the theories that help us understand how young children develop. You’ll examine the importance of a healthy pregnancy, the factors that can influence development before and after birth, and how early experiences can shape a child’s wellbeing and behaviour. You’ll also explore the valuable role of early years practitioners in supporting children’s progress, working closely with parents and colleagues, and recognising when additional professional guidance may be needed.

What you’ll learn:

  • The biological and psychological development of children from birth to seven years.
  • The responsibilities of early years practitioners in supporting children’s learning, health and development.
  • Practical approaches practitioners can take to encourage positive development and wellbeing.
  • Key theories and frameworks used to understand and support early childhood development.
  • How to recognise developmental milestones and set appropriate expectations for children’s individual progress.

Unit Reference: F/506/5384

Unit 2: Children’s Health and Wellbeing

Discover how to support the physical health, emotional wellbeing and everyday needs of young children during their most important developmental years. In this unit, you’ll explore how secure attachments and positive relationships are formed, including the principles of attachment theory and their influence on a child’s emotional development. You’ll also examine how a child’s environment affects their health and safety, the importance of healthy sleep routines and the risk factors associated with Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Alongside this, you’ll develop an understanding of children’s nutritional needs, including weaning and healthy eating, and discover how regular physical activity contributes to their growth, development and overall wellbeing.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to recognise and support the physical and emotional needs of young children.
  • The importance of secure attachments, positive relationships and emotional reassurance.
  • Children’s dietary and nutritional requirements, including healthy eating and weaning.
  • Essential health and safety considerations, including safe sleeping practices and SIDS risk factors.
  • How to support children through stressful experiences, changes and important transitions.
  • The benefits of regular exercise and physical activity for children’s health and development.

Unit Reference: J/506/5385

Course Outcome

At the end of this course, successful learners will receive the following qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education. This means that it is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to Level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

NCFE CACHE has been developing courses in the childcare, education and healthcare sectors since 1945 and is one of the most reputable awarding bodies for qualifications in the UK and overseas. Practitioners working in these areas are much more employable having gained NCFE CACHE certification and many employers specifically ask for their qualifications when taking on members of staff.

Progression Routes

Completing the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education is a valuable first step toward a rewarding career working with children. You’ll develop an understanding of child development, health and wellbeing, providing a strong foundation for further study in early years education and childcare. You could progress to a more advanced qualification, such as a Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or an Early Years Educator qualification, to build the practical skills and experience needed for employment in the sector.

With further training and, where required, practical experience, you could explore career opportunities as a nursery practitioner, early years educator, teaching assistant, childcare worker or family support worker. This knowledge-based Award does not qualify you to practise as an Early Years Educator on its own, but it offers an accessible introduction to the sector and a positive starting point for planning your next steps.

If you need to be included in the nursery ratio, you will need to complete our Early Years Level 3 course.

Entry Requirements

You don’t need any previous qualifications, knowledge or experience to enrol on this course, making it an ideal starting point for anyone interested in childcare and early years education. As this is a knowledge-based qualification, you don’t need to work or volunteer in a childcare or educational setting, so you can study entirely from home.

To enrol, you must be aged 16 or over, and due to awarding body requirements, you must complete the qualification in England.

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