Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Award in Childcare and Education is a UK‑regulated qualification that gives learners knowledge of childcare and education for children from birth to seven years of age. It prepares learners to progress to higher‑level childcare qualifications such as the Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator).

This is a knowledge‑only qualification, meaning learners do not need a work placement to achieve it. 

• Qualification Number (QN): 601/3998/5
• Level: Level 3
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 180
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 227
• Minimum Entry Age: 16 years
• Awarding Body: NCFE CACHE

Aims and Objectives

This qualification is designed to:

• Provide a foundation of knowledge for working with children from birth to seven years old
• Enable learners to understand child development and children’s health and well‑being
• Prepare learners to progress to larger childcare and early years qualifications
• Support learners who want to work in early years settings or expand their existing knowledge in childcare

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:

• Describe child development from conception to seven years
• Understand the physical, emotional and social needs of young children
• Recognise health and well‑being factors that influence children’s growth and learning
• Apply knowledge to support child development and early years education principles 

Course Duration

The qualification is typically completed within 2–6 months, depending on the learning provider and study mode. It involves 180 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) and 227 Total Qualification Hours (TQT).

Delivery methods include:

• Online learning
• Classroom‑based training
• Blended delivery formats

Entry Requirements

• Learners must be at least 16 years old to register for the qualification.
• There are no other formal entry requirements set by the awarding body, although centres may have their own guidelines.

Who is this Course for?

This award is suitable for:

• Individuals interested in working with children in early years or education settings
• Those preparing to progress to higher childcare qualifications
• Learners wishing to develop foundational knowledge of child development and early learning
• School leavers or career changers entering the childcare sector

Qualification Structure

To achieve the qualification learners must complete 2 mandatory units. Each unit contributes to the overall credit and knowledge requirements of the award.

Mandatory Units

The following units must be successfully completed:

1. Child Development From Conception to Seven Years 
2. Children’s Health and Well‑Being

These units provide essential understanding of how children develop physically and emotionally and how their health and wellbeing are supported throughout early childhood.

Assessment Methods

The qualification is internally assessed by the training provider and may include:

• Written assignments
• Knowledge‑based tasks
• Short answer questions
• Tutor‑assessed evidence

Assessment is portfolio‑based, and learners must demonstrate their understanding of unit content to meet the assessment criteria.

Career Progression & Pathways

After completing this award, learners can progress to further qualifications such as:

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate in Childcare and Education
• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
• Further study in education, childcare, or early years professional roles

Career Opportunities

Completion of this qualification supports entry‑level opportunities such as:

• Early Years Assistant
• Nursery Assistant
• Childcare Support Worker
• Teaching Support Roles (early years)
• Trainee roles in childcare settings

It provides foundational knowledge for those beginning a career in childcare or progressing to professional childcare roles.

Salary Expectations

Salary varies depending on role, employer, and experience. Typical ranges in early years and childcare sector may include:

• Nursery Assistant / Early Years Assistant: £18,000 – £24,000 per year
• Childcare Support Worker: £18,000 – £26,000 per year
• Teaching Assistant (Entry level): £18,000 – £25,000 per year

Earnings increase with further qualifications, experience, and professional responsibilities.

Payment Options

Training providers may offer:

• Full upfront payment
• Monthly instalment plans