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

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CACHE Level 3 Award, Certificate
and Diploma in Child Care and Education


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What do the qualifications cover?

These qualifications prepare you to work unsupervised or in a supervisory capacity with children and their families in a variety of settings These could include nurseries, children's centres, home-based child care, pre-schools or schools.


Who are they suitable for?

Anyone wanting to work with children and young people.





What are the entry requirements?

You will need to be at least 16 years old. CACHE does not set any other entry requirements but colleges and training providers may have their own guidelines.


How are they assessed?

They will be assessed by your tutor and CACHE. You will need to complete written assignments for the Award and a short answer test and written assignments for the Certificate. For the Diploma, assessment is the same as for the Award and Certificate plus additional written assignments, assessment of your performance in the workplace and a research task.


Do you need to be working to take the qualifications?

No, but you will be required to spend some time in different practical placements to complete the Diploma.


How long do they take to complete?

You can usually complete the Diploma in 2 years. The Award and Certificate can be completed in less time.


What related qualifications can you progress to?

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People's Services (England) (QCF)
  • A Degree




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

The Award and Certificate do not qualify you to work with children and young people. After completing the Diploma you could work as:

  • Early Years / Foundation Stage practitioner
  • Special educational needs support worker
  • Nanny / home-based child carer
  • Children's centre practitioner

Additional Information

This is an NQF qualification. You might also like to look at the Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce (QCF) England, the Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce (QCF) or the Level 2 Diploma for Children's Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) (QCF), which are a part of the new QCF qualification framework and cover similar topics.


A learners experience


"I have wanted to work in childcare since high school," says Michael Watson, who has recently completed the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education. He says the qualification appealed to him because of the strong practical element, and because he felt it "covered everything that’s important when working with children."
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Jo Selby was determined to achieve the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, despite the fact that she faced the additional challenge of being profoundly deaf.

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QCA accreditation number:

Level 3 Award in Child Care and Education: 500/1900/4
Level 3 Certificate in Child Care and Education: 500/1902/8
Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education: 500/1901/6