Qualification Overview

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner is designed for experienced early years professionals who are ready to take on senior leadership and management roles in early years settings. This qualification provides learners with the knowledge, skills and leadership expertise required to ensure high quality education and care for children from birth to 5 years, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.

Who is this Qualification For?

• Experienced Early Years Practitioners looking to progress into senior roles.
• Those working as Room Leaders, Deputy Managers, or Early Years Coordinators.
• Individuals aspiring to become Nursery Managers or Early Years Consultants.
• Professionals aiming to develop leadership, curriculum planning and team management skills.
• Those looking to progress to Level 6 and degree level studies in Early Childhood or Teaching.

Entry Requirements

• Minimum Age: 19+
• Work Placement: Learners must have access to a real work environment in an early year setting (nursery, preschool or reception class).
• Experience: Ideally, candidates should have a Level 3 Early Years qualification and significant experience in childcare.
• Skills: Strong literacy, numeracy and IT skills are required to complete assessments.

Qualification Structure

To achieve the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner, learners must complete 18 mandatory units, covering early years leadership, curriculum planning, safeguarding and professional development.

Mandatory Units

• Manage Care Routines for Children
• Lead Practice in Promoting Wellbeing and Resilience in Children 
• Model Positive Behaviour in the Early Years 
• Lead Activities, Experiences and Educational Opportunities to Promote Children’s Speech, Language and Communication 
• Lead Children’s Early Education and Development 
• Understand Holistic Child Development from Birth to Seven Years 
• Developing Children’s Emergent Literacy Skills 
• Developing Children’s Emergent Mathematical Skills 
• Develop and Implement Policies and Procedures to Support the Safeguarding of Children 
• Develop Health and Safety and Risk Management Policies, Procedures and Practices in Early Years Settings 
• Champion Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 
• Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disability in an Early Years Setting 
• Work in Partnership in Early Years Settings 
• Lead and Manage a Team Within an Early Years Setting 
• Develop, Maintain and Use Records and Reports 
• Quality Provision in Early Years Settings 
• Promote Professional Development 
• Review own Knowledge of Learning and Development for Early Years Practice

Assessment Methods

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner is assessed through a combination of:

• Direct Observation – Assessors observe learners in leadership roles within early years settings.
• Written Assignments – Learners complete structured written tasks demonstrating leadership knowledge.
• Professional Discussions – Assessors conduct discussions on leadership, curriculum, and safeguarding.
• Reflective Accounts – Learners reflect on their experiences managing teams and children’s learning.
• Portfolio of Evidence – Compilation of work-based assessments, research projects, and planning documents.
• Action Research Project – Some units may include an independent research project related to early years improvement.

Learners must demonstrate practical leadership skills and the ability to implement effective early years strategies.

Work Placement Requirements

• Minimum of 750 hours in a real early year’s work environment.
• Learners must work in a leadership or senior role in an early year setting.
• Placements can be in nurseries, pre-schools, reception classes, or early years care homes.

Progression and Career Opportunities

Upon completion, learners can progress to:

• NCFE CACHE Level 6 Diploma in Leadership for Early Years
• Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Studies or Primary Education
• PGCE (Early Years) for Teaching in Primary Schools

Career Pathways

• Early Years Senior Practitioner – Leading teams and supporting curriculum planning.
• Nursery Deputy Manager – Managing operations, staff, and curriculum in early years settings.
• Nursery Manager – Overseeing staff, finances, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance.
• Early Years Consultant – Advising on EYFS implementation and best practices.
• SEN Coordinator (SENCO) – Supporting children with special educational needs.
• Early Years Trainer – Delivering training to early years professionals.

Salary Expectations:

• Senior Early Years Practitioner: £24,000 – £30,000 per year
• Nursery Deputy Manager: £28,000 – £35,000 per year
• Nursery Manager: £35,000 – £45,000 per year
• Early Years Consultant: £40,000+ per year