Early Years, Care and Education

Entry Level

Entry Level qualifications are suitable for young people who are interested in working with children, or who are about to become parents.

The CACHE Entry Level qualification will show that you have the basic knowledge, skills and abilities to apply learning in everyday situations where you must be supervised. The knowledge and skills you learn do not represent your ability to work in a specific job role. They will provide a step towards further education and training.

CACHE Entry Level Certificate in Preparation for Child Care

Level 1

Level 1 acts as a stepping stone to Level 2. CACHE offers two qualifications at Level 1, both of which reflect the ability to use relevant knowledge, skills and procedures to complete routine tasks under supervision. The expectation is for the candidate to complete tasks and procedures with direction or guidance.

CACHE Level 1 Award in Getting Started in a Pre-school Setting

CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children

Level 2

CACHE Level 2 qualifications provide a stepping stone to Level 3 qualifications. They show that you have a good knowledge and understanding and the ability to perform various well-defined tasks with some direction and guidance.

The knowledge and skills that you learn are applicable to the following jobs, where you will be working under supervision:

Parent/Toddler Group Assistant
Homestart Worker
Nursery Assistant
Pre-school Assistant
Crèche Assistant
Toy Library Worker
Playgroup Assistant
Teaching Assistant
Mother's help
Baby Sitter/Au Pair

CACHE Level 2 Award, Certificate, Diploma in Child Care and Education

CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Pre-School Practice

CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Care and Education – (Welsh Medium)

CACHE NVQ Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

Level 3

CACHE Level 3 qualifications are designed to provide the knowledge and understanding for candidates who wish to work in a supervisory position. They must have the ability to complete tasks and address fairly complex problems. This is an appropriate level for people who want to go to university, work independently, or supervise and train others (in some areas).

The qualifications can be used in a variety of environments including daycare and classroom settings. They are suitable for workers who will be working unsupervised in the following job roles:

Nursery Officer in Charge
Pre-school Leader
Crèche Leader
Childminder
Senior Playworker/Co-ordinator
Special Educational Needs Supporter
Toy Library Leader
Teaching Assistant
Nanny

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

CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Children's Care, Learning and Development

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Home-based Childcare

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Pre-School Practice

CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Early Years Foundation Stage Practice (QCF)

CACHE Level 3 Award in Early Years and Child Care for Playworkers

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Playgroup Practice in Wales

CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Care and Education (Welsh Medium)

CACHE Level 3 NVQ in Children’s Care, Learning and Development

Level 4

The CACHE Level 4 qualification reflects the ability to identify and use relevant understanding methods and skills in complex and non-routine situations. It also develops understanding of different perspectives or approaches within an area of study or work.

This level is for people working in technical, professional, management or developmental roles. The qualifications are equivalent to Certificates of Higher Education.

Level 4 is suitable for the reflective practitioner and management roles in education or childcare settings.