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Home Based Childcare

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare
A suitable Level 3 qualification that prepares learners who wish to be employed in home based childcare settings.
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Overview

Not only is a career in childminding wonderfully fulfilling, but it also allows you the freedom to work flexibly and earn an income from home without sacrificing a thing. As you watch children learn and grow, you’ll have all the fun of creating a stimulating, engaging childcare environment where you can create precious memories they’ll cherish. If that sounds good to you, then our NCFE CACHE accredited home-based childcare qualification is ideal – best of all, there’s no work placement involved, and you can complete the entire course through distance learning.

This home-based childcare course will prepare you for a fulfilling career as a childminder, nanny, babysitter, or au pair in an Ofsted-regulated environment.

Developed in collaboration with the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years (PACEY), you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of child development on this course. You’ll discover how to promote well-being, contribute to a child’s education through play and routine, and gain essential knowledge of safeguarding and childcare legislation. Additionally, you’ll learn how to comply with taxation requirements, create a strong business plan, as well as register with the appropriate regulatory body.

What you will learn

  1. Unit 1 - Preparing to work as a home based childcare

    In unit one, you’ll gain the knowledge required to work with children in a home-based childcare setting. You’ll learn about current legislation, building a safe environment, and how to safeguard children. You’ll also look at equality and diversity, how day-to-day routines promote well-being, and working in partnership to support children. Finally, gain an understanding of learning behaviours, the value of play, and the role of observation in the childhood development.

  2. Unit 2 - Preparing to set up a home based childcare business

    This unit will prepare you to set up your own home-based childcare business. You’ll gain insight into leading and managing a home-based care setting, learn how to comply with financial and taxation requirements, and create a strong business plan. Finally, you’ll learn how to register with the appropriate regulatory body.

Awarding Body

Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education Logo

CACHE stands for the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education, and are the leading specialist Awarding Organisation for the Care and Education Sector.

View our other Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education qualifications.

CACHE stands for the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education, and are the leading specialist Awarding Organisation for the Care and Education Sector.

Course Outcome

At the end of this course, successful learners will receive the following qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Preparing to Work in Home Based Childcare. 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.

This qualification is suitable for learners that wish to work as:

  • Registered Childminders
  • Childminding Assistants
  • Babysitters
  • Nannies
  • Au Pairs
  • Other childcarers in home-based settings

Further learning: Although it does not provide direct progression, the subjects covered in this Award make a useful introduction to our Early Years Educator qualifications.

A paediatric first aid qualification is also a requirement of registration for any childminder. Learners may wish to consider the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid.

How is this course assessed or examined?

There will be self-assessment questions and tutor-marked assignments (TMAs), to enable you to monitor your progress.

The assessment methods of this course require a portfolio of evidence. This qualification is internally assessed and externally quality assured.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course, however, it is recommended that you have an intermediate ability to read and write English.

There is a minimum study age of 16.

Course code: X343

Home Based Childcare

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Courses Taught by Experts

Laura

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For 10+ years, my passion for helping learners develop and grow has driven my career as a teacher. To help me progress even further, I am currently studying to achieve the IQA award. I love reading and I’m a self-professed Harry Potter fan. Talk to me about all things history, rock music, tattoos and true crime podcasts. 

Laura, tutor

Kelly

Counselling and Psychology

I always knew that a career focused around helping people achieve their goals was perfect for me. That’s why I became a tutor. I love to see my student’s confidence flourish as they progress through their courses. It’s important to help them fit their learning goals around their personal commitments so they have the best chance of success! 

Kelly, tutor

Faye

Early Years

Beginning my career as an early years practitioner inspired me to step into the world of teaching. I have since elevated my skillset through a range of qualifications including L3 in Assessing Vocational Achievement, L3 in Education & Training and L4 in Internal Quality Assurance. I’m a big kid at heart; I love Disney movies and also dabble in photography.  

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Penny

STEM and History of Art

Marine biology, jellyfish conservationist, hairdresser, fitness instructor… I have an eclectic backstory! Art is my passion and one of my proudest moments was achieving my Masters in Fine Art. I then requalified as an Art teacher to share my knowledge with my students. For most of my career, I’ve supported vulnerable students with additional needs such as SEMH and SEN.

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Sarah

Education and Childcare

My 30-year stride in education started with childminding, to working with pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. I then tutored in a national reading programme and went on to become a Higher-Level TA. I’m elated to say I graduated with a First-Class BA Honours Degree when I was 50 – living proof that it’s never too late to chase your dreams!

Sarah

Cadia

GCSE & A-level Maths

Hi, I’m Cadia; I’m a personal tutor at Oxbridge.

I’m very passionate about Mathematics and what skills it can provide learners with. I firmly beleive that everyone should have a good Maths education as it’s truelly the World’s international language.

I’m a personal tutor for the following subjects:

  • GCSE and A-level Maths
  • A-level Further Maths
  • GCSE Astronomy
  • GCSE Environmental Science
  • Access to Higher Education – Science and Maths modules.

After leaving university I worked in the pharmaceuticals and medical device industry before training as a secondary Science teacher and then subsequently retraining as a Maths teacher.
After leaving mainstream education, I worked in pharmacy apprenticeship provision before joining Oxbridge in 2021.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Oxbridge and I love helping learners to acheive the best outcomes they can. I look forward to supporting you with your online course.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Can I sign up for a Student Beans account and get Student Discounts?

Yes! One of the many benefits of being an Oxbridge student is that you get access to great discounts with a Student Beans account! Eligibility criteria apply and acceptance is made at the discretion of Student Beans. Find out how to sign up.

Why study a Childcare course online with Oxbridge?

In addition to all of the benefits mentioned above, we have a much higher-than-average pass rate, 20% higher to be precise, which we believe is down to our excellent tutors and learning materials, including videos, e-books and quizzes. It’s our mission to make childcare training fun and exciting, the way it always should have been. But, sadly, that’s not the experience many of our students have had with traditional education. From early years practitioners to SEN specialists, our courses can help you follow your passion. So take a look through our courses, and if you struggle to pick, ask our learning advisers for their input.

What qualifications do I need to work in a nursery?

No official qualifications are required in order to work as a nursery assistant. However, getting qualified will help you stand out from other candidates, and help you progress in your nursery career.

What are the benefits of studying your Childcare courses from home?

By studying childcare from home, you take away the strain of having to travel to a particular place at a specific time and learn at a pace that’s dictated by your entire class. So whether you’re an early riser or concentrate better late at night, you’re in complete control of your study schedule and can spend as much or as little time as you need on each unit; that’s why so many of our students complete their courses much sooner than anticipated. Additionally, you can reap the advantages of one-on-one time with your personal tutor; whether you need help or advice, they are fully qualified in the sector you’re hoping to work in. All of our tutors love seeing their students succeed; it’s not just a job to them; they genuinely are rooting for you.

Do you need Maths and English for Childcare Level 3?

The entry requirements for a career in childcare will vary depending on your role and responsibilities. With that said, employers will likely expect candidates to hold a maths and English qualification at GCSE level as a minimum requirement. If you don’t currently have these, don’t worry. We recommend that you get in touch with our learning advisors for support and advice. Alternatively, it’s never too late to achieve fantastic GCSE grades through an online course.

Why study Childcare courses online?

You’re never too old to discover your passion and change your life. The beauty of opting for an online childcare course is that you don’t have to turn your entire world upside down. Online courses offer flexibility that traditional establishments just can’t. You don’t need to quit your job or sacrifice your other commitments and responsibilities. We will work with you to make sure you succeed.