NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Launch your career as an early years practitioner, and help prepare the children of today for the world of tomorrow.

trustpilot rating
Rated 4.7/5 | 1,716 reviews
Trustpilot logo
Enrol today

Check out our new Mental Health Awareness Level 3 course

  • Overview
  • What you'll learn
  • Extra info
  • FAQs

Are you ready to change your world?

Due to high capacity this course is currently unavailable. Check back soon.

We sincerely apologise for this inconvenience. We’ve experienced a high level of interest this year. We hope you will consider joining us in the future!

Our learning advisers are available to answer any queries you may have:

 

 

 

 

 

Get immediate notification for next enrolment

To get on our waiting list or speak to our learning advisers about the course please get in touch with any queries you may have.

Learn from anywhere

Have complete control over the pace and style of your learning needs. Choose to study from your phone, laptop, or tablet, 24/7. Online Learning has never been so simple, or so much fun!

Join a growing community

Online but not alone. Join our growing community of Oxbridge students! Benefit from insider tips and tricks to suit your learning style whilst interacting and engaging with your fellow peers. Don’t forget to also connect with our college’s socials.

Ease yourself into sucess

Whatever your starting point, we believe in empowering our students with complete flexibility and expert guidance at their fingertips. Take learning into your own hands with courses designed around you and achieve your potential with Oxbridge.

There are many ways to pay for your course with Oxbridge:

  • Credit / Debit Card
  • PayPal
  • Pay Monthly - interest free options available*. T&Cs apply.
What\'s the difference graphic

All Oxbridge home learning courses are delivered to a high-quality standard with full access to course materials. If you prefer a printed copy of your course material, choose our print option. Note: extra charges will apply.

What you get Online Print
My oxbridge - access to online portal
Unlimited Tutor Support
Course material - online
Course material - printed copy

Overview

Fuelled by curiosity and wonder, children are extremely fast learners and take in all of their surroundings to grow and develop vital skills to prepare them for school and their future. As a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in supporting the social and physical development of children ages 0-5, using imaginative learning techniques, encouraging language and literacy skills, and promoting independence along with the way. If you’re interested in a fulfilling and challenging career in childcare within an Ofsted-regulated environment, this course is a great starting point.

Once you’ve gained your certificate, you’ll be a qualified Early Years Practitioner with NCFE CACHE. This means you can start working, under supervision, with children up to the age of 5, and you’ll have proven knowledge of working with children up to the age of 7. You’ll also count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner across the Early Years Workforce.

To complete this course, you’ll need to either be working or volunteering in a placement for at least 250 hours so that you can gain skills-based experience and complete observations. This course is completely flexible so that you can study in your own time, at your own pace.

This is taking enrolments now, and the course starts on the 31st July 2023. Reserve your place today.

What you'll learn

Unit 1 - Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner
  • Responsibilities, boundaries, skills and behaviours of the Early Years Practitioner
  • Policies and procedures within the Early Years setting
  • Effective communication within the Early Years setting
  • Professional development and reflective practice within the Early Years setting
Unit 2 - Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years
  • Legislation and legal requirements for health and safety in the Early Years
  • Lines of reporting
  • Guidelines for good practice
  • Common childhood illnesses
Unit 3 - Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in Early Years Settings
  • Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in the Early Years Settings
  • Legislation and codes of practice
Unit 4 - Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in Early Years Settings
  • Types of abuse and neglect
  • Safeguarding legislation, policies and codes of practice
  • British values and prevent
  • Policies and procedures
Unit 5 - Understand how to support children's development
  • Child development from birth to seven
  • Influences on the expected pattern of development
  • Transitions in the Early Years
Unit 6 - Support care routines for babies and young children
  • Support care routines for babies and young children
  • Care routines
Unit 7 - Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes
  • Play and child development
  • The benefits of different types of play
Unit 8 - Promote play in an Early Years Setting
  • Play and child development
  • The benefits of different types of play
Unit 9 - Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
  • Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
  • Planning a weaning programme
  • What do they need?
  • Effects of poor diet on babies and children
  • Special dietary requirements
Unit 10 - Support babies and young children to be physically active
  • The benefits of exercise and physical activity
  • National initiatives to promote physical activity
Unit 11 - Support the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disability
  • Support the needs of babies and young children with special educational needs and disability
  • Attachments and key person approaches
  • Transitions in the Early Years
  • Effects of transitions
  • Working with others to meet children’s additional needs
Unit 12 - Promote positive behaviour in Early Years Settings
  • Promote positive behaviour in Early Years settings
Unit 13 - Partnership working in the early years
  • Partnership working in the Early Years
  • Reporting lines
  • Benefits of working with parents/carers
  • Encouraging parents to take an active role
Unit 14 - Support the needs of the child in preparing for school
  • Support the needs of the child in preparing for school
  • Strategies for developing emergent literacy
  • Developing emergent mathematical skills

Extra info

Awarding Body

CACHE 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.

Click here to confirm it's real with OfQual.

Course Outcome

Upon completion of the qualification, learners can be counted towards the statutory framework for the EYFS staff: child ratio at Level 2. Learners will be awarded a formal certificate of achievement by NCFE CACHE. Read more about NCFE CACHE.

This qualification allows a learner to count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner across the Early Years Workforce.

Learners may work under supervision in a variety of Ofsted-regulated environments such as:

  • Nursery Practitioner
  • Classroom Assistant
  • Pre-school practitioner

How is this course assessed or examined?

This course is assessed in two ways:

Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
Each unit is followed by a tutor-marked assignment (TMA) which will be completed at the end of each module and marked by your tutor.

You will not be required to take an external exam with this course as your portfolio of evidence is internally assessed by us and externally quality assured by the awarding body. The outcomes for each TMA are Achieved or Not Yet Achieved. Your tutor will provide feedback on your work, and should there be any amendments required, they will outline what is needed for you to complete that assignment.

Observation (included)
This course requires up to three observations. This means that somebody will need to observe you in practice. This could be in a workplace or a voluntary placement. These practical observations will be carried out by an Oxbridge Assessor (we’ll visit you) and that's included in the course price.

We offer up to three complimentary external observations for this course to any student on the UK mainland, which is enough to complete the course.

More information about practical observations

Important note about Observations

Many other providers are currently not compliant with the observation requirements for this course.

It is not possible to complete the observations in this course using a member of staff in your placement. Observations must take place directly by the centre that runs the course.

When comparing us to others, please ensure they provide direct observations from their centre. Otherwise, you will not be able to complete your course.

Entry requirements

You must be working, volunteering or on practical placement as you will need to show competence in both knowledge and skills. You need to complete over 250 hours of placement whilst undertaking this qualification. Your placement needs to allow for skills application with babies and young children to meet the assessment criteria for this qualification.

FAQs

Searching now...

No answers found, but we might still be able to help

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.

Was this useful? Yes No
Thank you for the feedback. If this hasn't answered your question, then contact us to ask.
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.

Was this useful? Yes No
Thank you for the feedback. If this hasn't answered your question, then contact us to ask.
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.

Was this useful? Yes No
Thank you for the feedback. If this hasn't answered your question, then contact us to ask.
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.

Was this useful? Yes No
Thank you for the feedback. If this hasn't answered your question, then contact us to ask.
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.

Was this useful? Yes No
Thank you for the feedback. If this hasn't answered your question, then contact us to ask.
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.

Was this useful? Yes No
Thank you for the feedback. If this hasn't answered your question, then contact us to ask.

Courses Taught by Experts

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

Laura

Health care

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

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.

penny-tc_compressed

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.  

faye-h_compressed
Excellent trustpilot rating 1,716

Are you ready to change your world?

We appreciate being bold is easier said than done. This is why the team at Oxbridge aim to help you feel confident and rest assured in taking your next steps. Our friendly, knowledgeable Learning advisers are always on hand to offer you the best guidance.