NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma in Technical Occupational Entry for the Early Years Practitioner 

Learners will submit an internally assessed portfolio of evidence, which is assessed by centre staff and externally quality assured by NCFE (internal quality assurance must still be completed by the centre as usual).

Learners will be required to submit assignments to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding. This qualification includes both knowledge and skills criteria to ensure that learners meet the Department for Education (DfE) Early Years Practitioner (EYP) criteria in full as well as being aligned to the knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) within the ST0888 Early Years Practitioner Occupational Standard.

This will allow learners to become a full and relevant level 2 practitioner upon successful completion, which can lead to direct employment or progression to the T-level in education and early years.

A range of classroom based sessions will be used to develop both theoretical and practical knowledge.

A two-day industry placement each week will further develop skills and knowledge.

Upon successful completion, learners can be employed as a full and relevant level 2 early years practitioner.

The qualification allows learners to potentially progress onto the Level 3 T Level TQ in Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator) which then enables learners to access Higher Education or progress into various job roles in the statutory, voluntary or private sectors such as:

• Early Years Educator
• Practitioner in day nurseries
• Practitioner in nursery schools
• Practitioner in reception classes in primary schools
• Pre-school worker
• Home based child carer
• Nanny
• University

Learners will be required to obtain a clear DBS in order to carry out placement, which is a mandatory part of the course.

Smart casual dress will be required for placement.

While completing this qualification, learners may develop the knowledge, understanding and essential skills employers look for in their employees. These range from familiar skills, such as team working, independent learning, problem solving, and using your own initiative, and other expected work practices, such as:

• Exemplary attendance and punctuality both in college and on placement (95-100%)
• Appropriate behaviour, including non-use of mobile phones in class and at placement
• Appropriate dress in the workplace, including always wearing identity lanyards
• Respectfully communicating with placement and college staff and peers
• Supporting others; children in placement and others in college
• Personal good manners and self-presentation
• Understanding work practices and how internal and external roles function within a school and college organisation.

For students aged 16-18 who have not yet achieved a grade 4 in Maths or English, these subjects will be included in your timetable along with your main course. Improving your skills in Maths and English is essential, as these qualifications open doors to further study and career opportunities.

Our teaching team will work with you to help you achieve the grades you need, building confidence in these key areas to support your future success.

All 16-18 students must study maths and/or English as part of their main study programme, there is no option to study maths and/or English on its own.