NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner course is designed for adults who wish to work in the Early Years Sector.
The course is ideal for those wishing to work in a variety of early years settings under supervision.
Throughout the course you will be trained and assessed to achieve a CACHE qualification as well as receive over 200 hours work experience in a childcare environment.
This course will provide you with an understanding of the skills and knowledge required to work in an early years setting and progress your learning onto Level 3.
The course is scheduled over 2-3 days per week. You are also expected to attend 2 days per week at your work placement setting.
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Sector Overview
For the past five years, the Early Years Industry has benefited from falling unemployment and rising disposable incomes, which has supported rising demand.
The industry is forecast to grow over the next five years in line with rising employment, which is set to stimulate demand for industry services.
Additionally, as more households become eligible for free childcare and tax-free childcare schemes, government expenditure on childcare is projected to rise in the coming years.
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Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for this course are:
- Merit and/or good reference from relevant Level 1 qualification
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 (D) or above including maths and English
- Clear & enhanced DBS clearance (provided by the College) This must be obtained at the start of your course
- Interview and assessment
If required, you will have the opportunity to study GCSE maths and/or English alongside your course so you can progress onto the next level.
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What will I study?
This course consists of the following modules:
- Communication
- Safeguarding
- Behaviour
- Health & Safety
- Play
- Personal development
- Partnership working
- Equality & inclusion
- Supporting children's learning and development
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How will I be assessed?
You will be assessed via:
- Professional discussion
- Assignments
- Group work and participation in class
- Professional discussion
- You will also by assessed by observation of your practice at your work experience setting
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Enrichment
To further enhance your progression, you will actively participate in skills competitions, such as the Big Idea Challenge and Skills London. You will be involved in taking part in trips and visits, such as The Nursery World Conference and Award-Winning Early Years settings.
You will be invited to take part in funder-raiser events such as The Toy Library Children in Need. You will also have access to key employers that will deliver guest lectures to build your industry knowledge and create your future.
Our Student Common Room is a great place to unwind and relax during your breaks. It features pool tables, table tennis, a gaming corner and lots of comfy sofas so you can refresh before your next lesson.
Themed events are held in the Common Room so you can get the best experience of being a Waltham Forest College student.
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Work Experience
You must complete the recommended 250 hours of work experience in an approved early year setting as part of this course. This can be done over 2-3 days per week.
You will be assigned a work placement assessor who will support you and monitor your progress in your work placement.
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Progression opportunities
This course will lead to:
- Childcare Level 3
- Health & Social Care Level 3
- Employment in an early years setting
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Alumni
Moesha progressed from Level 2 to the Early Years Workforce Level 3. Her placement setting was so impressed with her they offered her full-time employment.
Mane started the Level 2 course in September 2021. She had limited English and was lacking confidence. She gradually gained confidence over the time she spent in college and in her placement setting. She then progressed onto the Early Years Workforce Level 3 and has been offered a permanent job at her placement setting where she is now employed full time.
Last year, 52% of Childcare students progressed onto a positive external destination (employment or higher education), and 48% progressed onto further study at Waltham Forest College.
