NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

This qualification is ideal for learners looking to work with children between birth and 5 years and to gain knowledge of working with children up to 7 years. Learners do not need to have previous experience or qualifications in working with children to undertake this qualification, just a passion for Childcare. Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on practical placement to show competence in both knowledge and skills. We recommend learners complete 250 placement hours whilst undertaking this qualification. Placement opportunity must allow for skills application with babies and young children sufficient to meet the assessment criteria for the qualification.

Learners must be aged 19 or over.

The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to 7 years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0-5 years. The qualification content meets the Department for Education’s (DfE) Level 2 full and relevant criteria for a Level 2 Early Years Practitioner in the workforce.

All units will be internally assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge-based outcomes can be assessed using non–mandatory assessment tasks provided for tutors’ convenience in this specification. Skills-based outcomes must be achieved in a real work environment and include direct observation within the workplace.

This qualification allows progression on to the Level 3 Early Years Educator qualifications and other relevant Level 3 qualifications relating to early years and child care.

This qualification also 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 roles such as:


Nursery Practitioner
Classroom Assistant
Pre-school Practitioner