About this qualification

The qualification is designed to enhance the continuing professional development of learners in the early years workforce. It will provide knowledge and understanding of child development and its importance in supporting children’s progress in an early years setting. Learners will become advocates of child development by sharing their knowledge with peers and colleagues in the workplace setting.

Who is it suitable for?

The qualification is suitable for learners who are working in an early years setting and wish to enhance their continuing professional development by gaining an understanding of how children develop and cascading the knowledge they gain to other practitioners.

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be aged 16 or above, and have experience of working with babies and young children. It would be advantageous if the learners had already gained a Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years Educator or Early Years Practitioner qualification.

How is this qualification structured?

The qualification comprises 2 mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

Learners must produce a portfolio of evidence which will be internally assessed and externally quality assured.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

It is anticipated that delivery of the qualification would be completed within 6 to 10 weeks.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

The expectation is that learners should be working in an early years setting.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

On successful completion of the qualification, learners can progress to the following qualifications:

•NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner (601/8424/3)
•NCFE CACHE Level 4 Award in Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Leadership and Management in the Early Years (603/4888/4)
•NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner (603/3907/X)

Career opportunities

The aim of the qualification is to support level 3 practitioners acquiring additional leadership skills to help them secure middle leadership positions to include room leadership working towards deputy management and management positions in the early years sector.

Funding for our qualifications

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

Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?

On completion, learners could consider applying for a middle management or management role in the early years sector.