CACHE : The Best Qualifications for Working in Children's Services


Support for CACHE Centres

CACHE Centre Information Pack

Forms for Registration, Certification and Assessment are now available online CACHE Centre Pack - Forms.
For previous publications please see our archives page.

Resource Materials

Resource materials for CACHE Centres including Handbooks, Assignment Guidance, Tutor Guidance, Research Task and publications relating to CACHE qualifications Resource Materials 2009/10.
For previous publications please see our archives page.

Qualification and Credit Framework


Accreditation of CACHE Qualifications onto the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF)

CACHE is currently engaged in a programme to accredit qualifications onto the QCF for first teaching by September 2010. The majority of our current qualifications are accredited on the NQF until August 2010.

We are in the process of migrating qualifications to the QCF, these will be available to centres to deliver from September 2010. Further updates will be available on the CACHE Monthly Qualifications Bulletin.

Please click here for more information regarding the QCF...

External Assessment Timetable


Please Note: The Closing date for all exam entries for on-demand test dates is 10 working days before the test date window as specified on the External Assessment Timetable.

Please see below the Draft Assessment Timetables for 2010/11

External Assessment Timetable 2010/11 - Level 1

External Assessment Timetable 2010/11 - Level 2

External Assessment Timetable 2010/11 - Level 3

Externally Marked Assignments Timetable 2010/11

Please see below for the full Assessment Timetables for 2009/10

External Assessment Timetable 2009/10 - Level 1

External Assessment Timetable 2009/10 - Level 2

External Assessment Timetable 2009/10 - Level 3

Externally Marked Assignments Timetable 2009/10

For previous publications please see our archives page

Exam date reminders and advice regarding LSC funding

To ensure your Centre does not incur late entry fees and that all entries for external assessment are made on time, we will be including reminders of forthcoming exam dates in each edition of the CACHE Monthly Newsletter. Please click here to view details of forthcoming external assessments and the closing date for all entries- listed in date order

CACHE would advise Centres to refer to the External Assessment Timetable when planning, to allow time for any potential referrals and re-submissions. If your centre has Learner referrals and you have already set your completion dates with the LSC for funding purposes which you may now miss, please do extend the end dates of your programs. This should be done at the time of re-submission or re-entry for exams to ensure your dates correspond with ILR dates issued by LSC.

DCCE-L3 Research Task

The Research task will remain, without change, for the duration of the qualification. Please can centres also bear in mind that the information in the Research Task Guidance (available below) will also remain highly applicable.

Download PDF

Download PDF (Welsh)

Chief Examiner Report

Research Task Guidance

Added 21/09/09
Research Task submission checklist

Added 21/09/09
Research Task submission checklist (Welsh)

Fees List

Please call our Customer Support team on 0845 347 2123 or email info@cache.org.uk for a copy of our fees list.

Finding the Level

CACHE qualifications run from Entry Level to Level 4, with increasingly complex demands made of the candidate. ‘Finding the Level’ is a guide to understanding what is expected from the candidate at different Levels.

Finding the Level

Reasonable Adjustments and Special Considerations: Good Practice Guide

This comprehensive guide concerns the application of reasonable adjustments and special consideration in vocational qualifications.

Good Practice Guide

Training Days

The training day programme consists of two separate types of training event: Centre Development and Professional Development.

Training Days Programme

Publication Orders

Many of the course texts such as VQ Handbooks, NVQ handbooks and information leaflets used for CACHE qualifications are available for mail order direct from us. If you would like to order a publication simply log into e|ngage and select Online Ordering from the top menu bar.

CACHE Customer Service Charter

Download PDF file

CACHE Formal Procedures

At CACHE, we regularly update our policies and procedures to adhere to legislation and developments in the education sector.

CACHE Complaints, Enquiries and Appeals flowchart
Appeal against an Assessment Result
Diversity Statement
Malpractice/ Maladministration Procedure

Internal Moderation

CACHE Centres appoint Internal Moderators to ensure that the Centre’s internal quality assurance process is met and the criteria set by the QCA and CACHE are achieved. The forms are listed below. For information on Internal Moderator Guidance, please click on the link at the top at the top of the page 'Centre Information Pack'.

Internal Moderator Report (IMR)
Marker and Moderator Meeting Record

Key Skills

Key Skills are a range of essential skills that underpin success in education, employment, lifelong learning and personal development.

CACHE has been accredited by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority (QCA) to offer the six Key Skills at Levels 1 to 4. The first three Key Skills are assessed by portfolio and test.

Key Skills - Candidate Handbook (IMR)
Key Skills - Guidelines for Assessors and Internal Moderators
Key Skills - Part A Questions for Wider Key Skills

Guidance on NVQs and VQs in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

These awards now apply to people who are working with children from 0-16 years. Previously, the Early Years Care & Education awards applied to people working with children from 0-8 years. This guidance is intended to help Centres and learners to understand the implications of this extended age range.
Guidance on NVQs and VQs in Children’s Care, Learning and Development.