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Level 2 NCFE CACHE Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 2

Course Overview

The aim of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of babies and young children from birth to seven years of age with applied knowledge in the early years, 0-5 years.

This course will provide an opportunity for those who want to work in the Early Years sector to achieve a Level 2 qualification.

In addition to classroom learning, the student will be required to secure a work placement to achieve their licence to practice within the Early Years industry.

The course will be delivered with classroom learning which links Early Years practice with theory in combination with industry placement throughout the year totalling 315 hours. In addition to practical and theoretical learning, the course will additionally involve guest speakers and various trips.

Why choose to study at BCA?

BCA has much to offer including:

•A team of qualified and supportive staff
•An on-site nursery catering for children aged 3 months to 5 years
•Trips to a Forest School
•Opportunities to visit specialist schools
•Opportunities to obtain First Aid qualifications

Course Code

FF2CCHI1B0

End Date

Fri, 03 Jul 2026

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 3 and above-including English and maths.

A Disclosure Barring Service check is also required.

Course information

Some example units include:

-EYP 1: Roles and responsibilities of the Early Years Practitioner
-EYP 2: Health and safety of babies and young children in the early years
-EYP 3: Equality, diversity and inclusive practice in Early Years Settings
-EYP 4: Safeguarding, protection and welfare of babies and young children in Early Years Settings
-EYP 5: Understand how to support children’s development
-EYP 6: Support care routines for babies and young children
-EYP 7: Support the planning and delivery of activities, purposeful play opportunities and educational programmes
-EYP 8: Promote play in an Early Years Setting
-EYP 9: Support well-being of babies and young children for healthy lifestyles
-EYP 10: Support babies and young children to be physically active
-EYP 11: Support the needs of babies and young children with Special Educational Needs and Disability
-EYP 12: Promote positive behaviour in Early Years Settings
-EYP 13: Partnership working in the early years
-EYP 14: Support the needs of the child preparing for school

1 Year

Through direct teaching from industry specialists.

All units will be continually assessed using a range of methods. Knowledge-based outcomes can be assessed using a class-based assignment work relating to work practice (Competency in Work Placement) and completion of work placement hours.

Student skills will be assessed and outcomes must be achieved with reference to the real work environment and the student will be observed in the workplace.

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner

Additional qualifications:

First Aid training is crucial for a career in Early Years and therefore a compulsory part of your study programme is to undertake First Aid training here at college. A £28 fee will be made during your enrolment process to cover this.

The student will learn how the theory of Early years relates to the practice of an Early Years practitioner. Within the workplace, the students will gain relevant industry experience whilst working with children of all ages under the supervision of other professionals within the setting.
Industry Placement is a fantastic opportunity for you to get hands-on experience and is also a compulsory and invaluable part of your course. Depending on your course and level you will be required to attend a weekly day placement and/or block placements of one week or more. This will be discussed with you once you commence your study programme.
We have a fantastic Industry Placement Team who will support you along your placement journey.

This qualification allows the learner to count towards the Level 2 ratio as a qualified Level 2 Early Years Practitioner within the Early Years Workforce. Learners who achieve a Level 2 qualification and Level 2 English, maths and science will be interviewed for progression on to a higher level of study within Early Years and other relevant Level 3 qualifications.
Learners may work under supervision in a variety of roles such as Nursery Practitioner, Classroom Assistant or Pre School Practitioner.
What careers can this course lead onto?

-Early Years Practitioner
-Early Years Regulatory Inspector
-Educational/Child Therapist
-Family Support Officer
-Inclusion Co-ordinator
-Nursery Manager
-Play Therapist
-Playworker
-Room Leader
-Special Needs Classroom Worker
-Social Worker
-Teaching Assistant

Level 2

A DBS will be required as you will be working with children and vulnerable adults, this is arranged by BCA at a cost of £48 payable on enrolment.

Uniform:
Early Years Polo shirts are required for Industry Placement and can be purchased from goyalsbca.co.uk

Stationery:

All students are required to supply their own Stationery and in order to make the induction of your course as smooth as possible, it is essential that you are prepared before you start. The items you will need for your first day are:

-A full pencil case
-A notebook
-An A4 lever arch file, dividers and plastic poly pockets
-Highlighter pens
-Colouring pens
-Laptop or tablet (only if available to you)
Course study books, which are available from Amazon:
Level 2
Level 3

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