Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England) is a vocational qualification designed to develop the knowledge, practical skills, and workplace competence required for individuals working with children and young people from birth to 19 years of age.

This qualification prepares learners to work under supervision in a variety of childcare, education, early years, and social care settings. It supports learners in developing the professional behaviours, safeguarding knowledge, communication skills, and understanding of child development required when supporting children and young people.

The programme combines classroom learning with real workplace practice, ensuring learners can apply their knowledge confidently in professional environments.

The qualification also provides a direct progression route to the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce.

Qualification Details

• Level: Level 2

• Minimum Entry Age: 16 years

• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 350 hours

• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 261 hours

• Credit Value: 35 credits

• Qualification Number: 601/3395/8

The qualification is recognised across England and is designed for learners entering the children and young people’s workforce in supervised roles.

Aims and Objectives

The qualification aims to develop the foundational knowledge and workplace skills required when supporting children and young people in professional settings.

The key objectives include:

• Developing practical skills for working with children and young people.

• Building an understanding of child and young person development.

• Developing knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.

• Promoting equality, inclusion, and positive behaviour.

• Building effective communication and partnership-working skills.

• Preparing learners for progression into Level 3 qualifications or employment in supervised roles.

Overall, the programme equips learners with the confidence and competence required to support children and young people in a variety of care and educational settings.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to:

• Understand child and young person development from birth to 19 years.

• Support children and young people’s physical, emotional, and social development.

• Apply safeguarding procedures to protect children and young people.

• Promote positive behaviour and supportive learning environments.

• Communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues.

• Support health, safety, equality, and inclusion in childcare settings.

• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Reflect on personal development and professional practice.

These outcomes help learners develop both occupational competence and professional confidence when working with children and young people.

Course Duration

The qualification typically takes 6 to 12 months to complete depending on the study mode, workplace access, and provider delivery model.

Learning commitments generally include:

• Total Qualification Time: 350 hours

• Guided Learning Hours: 261 hours

• Workplace practice and observations

• Portfolio development

• Reflective practice activities

• Assessor reviews

The course may be delivered through:

• Classroom-based learning

• Blended learning (online and face-to-face)

• Workplace-based assessment

• Apprenticeship delivery

NCFE states learners usually complete the qualification in one year or less.

Entry Requirements

Typical entry requirements include:

• Learners must be at least 16 years old.

• No formal prior qualifications are set by NCFE, although providers may have their own requirements.

• Learners must be working, volunteering, or on practical placement, as workplace competence must be demonstrated.

• Good communication skills and a genuine interest in working with children and young people are recommended.

NCFE specifically states that learners need workplace access to complete competence-based assessment.

Who is this Course for?

This qualification is suitable for individuals who want to start a career working with children and young people.

It is particularly appropriate for:

• Early Years Assistants

• Nursery Assistants

• Preschool Assistants

• Children’s Centre Assistants

• Teaching Assistants

• Family Support Assistants

• Social Care Support Workers

• Individuals preparing for Level 3 childcare qualifications

The qualification is also suitable for individuals who have recently started working in children’s settings and want to build occupational competence.

Qualification Structure

To achieve the qualification, learners must successfully complete:

• 11 mandatory units

• Additional optional units where required to achieve the full 35 credits

The qualification combines:

• Core knowledge units

• Competence-based workplace units

• Optional specialist units

This structure allows learners to build broad professional competence across childcare, education, and social care settings.

Mandatory Units

1. Maintain and Support Relationships With Children and Young People (D/601/7403)

2. Introduction to Communication in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings (F/601/5465)

3. Child and Young Person Development (H/601/3305)

4. Contribute to the Support of Positive Environments for Children and Young People (H/601/3496)

5. Contribute to Children and Young People’s Health and Safety (J/601/3491)

6. Safeguarding the Welfare of Children and Young People (K/601/3323)

7. Introduction to Personal Development in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings (L/601/5470)

8. Understand Partnership Working in Services for Children and Young People (M/601/3498)

9. Introduction to Equality and Inclusion in Health, Social Care or Children’s and Young People’s Settings (R/601/5471)

10. Support Children and Young People’s Positive Behaviour (T/601/7407)

11. Contribute to the Support of Child and Young Person Development (Y/601/3236)

Assessment Methods

Assessment is competence-based and internally assessed rather than through formal examinations.

Common assessment methods include:

• Workplace observations

• Written assignments

• Professional discussions

• Portfolio of evidence

• Witness testimonies

• Reflective accounts

• Practical tasks

• Assessor reviews

Career Progression & Pathways

After completing this qualification, learners may progress to:

• NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

• Early Years qualifications

• Specialist childcare qualifications

• Teaching assistant qualifications

• Social care qualifications

Career Opportunities

Successful learners may progress into roles such as:

• Nursery Assistant

• Preschool Assistant

• Assistant in Children’s Centres

• Assistant in Day Nurseries

• Nursery School Assistant

• Classroom Support Assistant

• Family Support Assistant

• Children’s Social Care Support Worker

Salary Expectations

Salary levels depend on employer, region, and experience.

Typical salary ranges may include:

• Nursery Assistant: £18,000 – £24,000 per year

• Preschool Assistant: £19,000 – £25,000 per year

• Teaching Assistant: £20,000 – £28,000 per year

• Family Support Assistant: £22,000 – £30,000 per year

Professionals who progress to Level 3 and specialist roles may earn higher salaries.

Payment Options

Payment options vary depending on the training provider.

Common options include:

• Full upfront payment

• Monthly instalment plans