Level 2 qualifications
CACHE
CACHE level 2 Certificate in Playwork
A nationally recognised qualification that provides knowledge of regulations and playwork values.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates must be aged 16 or over and have access to a playwork setting with children aged four to 16 years old.
Duration: Up to 60 guided learning hours.
Methods of study: Guided learning and practical work.
Course content: Two units: playwork practice and health and safety in a play setting.
Career moves: Equips candidates to work as playworkers, mainly under supervision.
CACHE Foundation Award in Caring for Children
This is an introduction to the early years sector for those who may want to work with children, or who may be motivated by a child focused syllabus.
Course provider: FE colleges, technology colleges and schools.
Entry qualifications: Some success at GCSE Grade E/F or above recommended.
Duration: One year full time, also part time if you study other subjects with this award.
Methods of study: Units are assessed through work-based tasks.
Course content: Seven units cover personal development, human growth and development from birth to old age, food and nutrition, care of children and play and practical activities.
Career moves: Progression to appropriate qualifications at level 2 such as the Certificate in Childcare and Education or the NVQ in Early Years Care and Education at level 2.
CACHE level 2 Certificate in Child Care and Education
Course covers children at different stages of their growth and development, how to care for and educate them and how to work with parents, carers and other professionals.
Course provider: FE colleges, technical colleges and schools.
Entry qualifications: No formal entry requirements, Duration: One year, full time; some study centres offer it as a part-time course over a longer period of time.
Methods of study: Work-based learning.
Course content: The course comprises four mandatory main units: the physical care and development of the child, working with young children, emotional and social development and preparing for employment with young children. The two optional units are: work with babies nought to one year or parents and carers.
Career moves: Progression to the CACHE level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education (DCE), or, once working, to the level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education.
CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Pre-school practice
CACHE and the Pre-School Learning Alliance have joined forces to develop this award which is designed for those wishing to work at a supervised level in the pre-school sector.
Course provider: Colleges, adult and community education centres, throughout the Pre-School Learning Alliance and in a wide variety of community-based settings.
Entry qualifications: Suitable for those 16 and over working in pre-school/playgroup/nursery setting
Duration: Course sessions total 240 hours.
Methods of study: Four units of study with at least 150 hours in an early years setting.
Course content: Covers an introduction to pre-school practice, the needs of young children, working in partnerships with parents in pre-school settings, supporting the care and education of children aged one to three years.
Career moves: Candidates can move on to CACHE level 3 Diploma in Pre-school Practice, CACHE level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education.
CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Practice
This award prepares candidates to work in a supervised role, competently, safely and effectively with children up to the age of seven.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: For those aged 16 and above.
Duration: Can be taken as a full or part-time course with 180 total learning hours.
Methods of study: A multiple-choice question paper and three internally assessed units.
Course content: Four units cover the development and needs of children, providing activities and experiences for young children, working within settings, and looking at the environment for young children.
Career moves: Progression to NVQ level 2 Early Years Care and Education or CACHE level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education.
CACHE Level 2 Certificate for Teaching Assistants
An all-round course helping candidates to learn how to support teachers in schools.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates should be over 18 years of age. It is likely that candidates will have achieved a GCSE at grade D or above, or equivalent.
Duration: Part time - may be undertaken over the CACHE period of registration. A total of 120 guided learning hours.
Methods of study: As the assignments are practice-related, in order to complete the CTA2 a minimum of 60 placement hours per unit must be undertaken in a teaching assistant setting.
Course content: The two units are: Supporting the Curriculum and Working Within the School.
Career moves: Combined with the NVQ for Teaching Assistants at level 2, the CTA2 offers progression opportunities on to related level 3 qualifications, eg the CACHE level 3 Certificate for Teaching Assistants, the NVQ level 3 for Teaching Assistants, and other related qualifications.
CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Early Years Care and Education (Welsh Medium)
Taught and assessed in Welsh or bi-lingually, thereby encouraging and promoting the Welsh language and culture.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates must be 16 years or over. While no formal qualifications are required, you may need to show you have sufficient skills to undertake a level 2 award. Candidates need to be working in either a paid, voluntary, or placement basis in and across a range of early years settings operating in a Welsh context.
Duration: 180 guided learning hours. Part time or full time.
Methods of study: Each of the four following units must be completed successfully. Unit certification is available when units are undertaken individually.
Course content: Units covered include the development and needs of children nought to four years 11 months, providing experiences and activities for young children, working within Welsh-medium settings. A work placement is also recommended.
Career moves: Progression to the CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Care and Education (Welsh Medium) or other Level 3 qualifications.
CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Playwork Practice (CSPP)
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Candidates aged 16 or above should be able to demonstrate they possess the equivalent of all the Key Skills at level 1 (or be able to achieve them during the programme). Access to a playwork setting required.
Duration: Approximately 180 hours.
Methods of study:Two internally assessed assignments, one externally assessed multiple-choice question paper.
Course content: How to work effectively in a supervised role with children aged four to 16. This award has been approved as a technical certificate for the Foundation Modern Apprenticeship.
Career moves: The CSPP curriculum and assessed material provides the knowledge, understanding and skills for the NVQ level 2 Playwork.
Therefore, if the award is achieved alongside the NVQ you will then be in a position to progress to an Advanced Modern Apprenticeship or other related level 3 qualification as appropriate.
* More information including course fees at www.cache.org.uk or on 01727 847 636. Contact your local Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for details on funding.
City & Guilds
City & Guilds Progression Award Level 2 in Playwork Two qualifications in one course which provide the underpinning knowledge required to assist in playwork and/or early years settings.
Course provider: FE colleges, employers and some trusts.
Entry qualifications: No formal requirements.
Duration: No recommended duration.
Methods of study: Work placements and written assignments.
Course content: Covers subjects such as facilitating play, employment opportunities and roles, administration, health, safety, planning activities and developmental stages.
Career moves: Expands career prospects and provides access to level 3 qualifications.
City & Guilds level 2 Certificate in Contributing to the Early Years Setting
This award ensures that candidates gain the essential knowledge and skills needed to work safely and effectively in early years settings in the first few weeks and months of work.
Course provider: FE colleges, employers and some trusts.
Entry qualifications: No formal requirements but need to be based in workplace setting.
Duration: No recommended duration.
Methods of study: Written and workbased assignments.
Course content: Five key areas include the principles and values of early years care and education, working safely with children, working with children to promote their physical development, working with children to promote their emotional, social, intellectual and language development, developing personal skills and knowledge.
Career moves: Provides access to NVQ.
City & Guilds Progression Award: Early Years Care and Education levels 2 and 3
These awards provide a valuable alternative for those who do not yet have access to real workplace experience.
Course provider: FE colleges, employers and trusts.
Entry qualifications: No formal requirements.
Duration: No recommended duration.
Methods of study: Written and workbased assignments.
Course content: Core components include understanding the role of the childcare worker, investigating the principles of working with children one to eight, preparing to contribute to the protection of children and preparing to work with parents.
Career moves: The level 2 award supports the level 2 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education. The level 3 is for those who wish to progress, but who do not have access to the full range of workplace experience to enable them access to the level 3 NVQ in Early Years Care and Education.
* More information including course fees at www.city-and-guilds.co.uk.
Contact your local LSC for details of funding.
NCFE
NCFE level 2 Certificate in Developing Skills Working with Children and Young People
An introductory qualification.
Course provider: Colleges and community centres.
Entry qualifications: Suitable for adult learners or school leavers.
Experience of working with children is recommended.
Duration: 90 hours including 30 hours' work placement.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Four units cover professional and personal development for early years practitioners, contributing to the provision of equal opportunities for children and young people, practical support for maintaining a safe environment and providing a range of activities.
Career moves: Students can progress to level 3 qualifications, and specialisations.
NCFE level 2 Certificate in Developing Skills for Early Years Practice
An all-round course for those early years staff who are currently working under supervision in a daycare setting.
Course provider: FE colleges, local authority adult education schemes and training providers.
Entry qualifications: Suitable for those working as level 2 assistants.
Duration: 120 hours including 40 hours' work placement.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Units cover contributing to and maintaining a safe environment for children under eight, contributing to the provision of equal opportunities, providing appropriate play activities, the early years curriculum.
There are optional units - working with babies in a creche and using play skills in a creche.
Career moves: Boosts prospects for those wanting to begin a career in childcare.
* More information including course fees at www.ncfe.org.uk. Contact your local LSC for details of funding.
EDEXCEL
Edexcel level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Early Years
The Edexcel Level 2 BTEC First Diploma in Early Years is a vocationally related qualification related to the National Occupational Standards in Early Years Care and Education.
Course provider: Schools, FE and technical colleges.
Entry qualifications: If no formal qualifications, candidates are expected to have related work experience.
Duration: 360 guided learning hours plus work experience placement of 200 hours.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Core units comprise: values and interpersonal skills, physical, social and emotional development and good practice in childcare settings.
Career moves: Progression to a supervised role in the sector, to a level 3 qualification or level 2 NVQ.
Edexcel level 2 BTEC Certificate in Early Years Care and Education Approved as a technical certificate for the Early Years Care and Education FMA framework.
Course provider: Schools, FE and technical colleges.
Entry qualifications: If no formal qualifications, candidates are expected to have related work experience.
Duration: 180 guided learning hours - no prescribed professional hours.
Methods of study: Guided learning and work-based assignments.
Course content: Core units include physical, social and emotional development, good practice in childcare settings, activities for developing communication skills.
Career moves: Progression to a level 3 qualification or a level 2 NVQ.
* More information at www.edexcel.org.uk
National Open College Network
NOCN Intermediate Award in Childcare
Provides the essential knowledge and skills required for effective working practice.
Course provider: The Open College network includes FE and sixth form colleges, trade unions, employers, training providers and LEAs.
Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications required.
Duration: 120 guided learning hours.
Methods of study: A written assessment and work-based assignments.
Course content: Core units include health and safety in the childcare setting, strategies for inclusion and equal opportunities in childcare, play and child development, partnership in childcare.
Career moves: Progression to more advanced training or work within the sector.
* More information at www.nocn.org.uk
NVQ level 2
Awarded by City & Guilds, CACHE, Edexcel, The Open University
NVQ Level 2 in Early Years Care and Education
This is a widely recognised, practical qualification undertaken while working. Level 2 is for those who are working, or will be working, under supervision and doing a wide range of activities.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications are required, suitable for those already working in childcare.
Duration: Candidates proceed at their own pace. Completion usually takes approximately 12 to 18 months.
Methods of study: Work-based learning.
Course content: Mandatory units include: supporting children's physical developmental needs, supporting children's social and emotional development, implement planned activities for sensory and intellectual development and implement planned activities for the development of language and communication skills.
Career moves: Progression to NVQ level 3 in Early Years Care and Education or CACHE level 3 VRQs.
NVQ level 2 in Playwork
Awarded by City & Guilds, CACHE, Edexcel
Provides a progression qualification for those working at assistant level in a playwork environment with children aged from four up.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: No formal qualifications required but candidates should already be working in childcare with children aged between four and 16 years.
Duration: Usually around 12 to 18 months.
Methods of study: Work-based learning.
Course content: Six mandatory units including: supporting the protection of children from abuse, supporting children and young people's play, positive relationships in the playwork setting, health and safety in the play environment.
Career moves: Paves the way to level 3 study - CACHE level 3 Diploma in Playwork, NVQ level 3 in Playwork (you must be supervising other playworkers before undertaking this award).
NVQ Level 2 Teaching Assistants
Awarded by CACHE
For people working in or wanting to work in the field, who support teachers, and who work largely under supervision particularly supporting the numeracy and literacy strategies.
Course provider: FE colleges and training providers.
Entry qualifications: No formal entry qualifications.
Duration: Candidates proceed at their own pace. Completion usually takes approximately 12 to 18 months.
Methods of study: Work-based learning.
Course content: Mandatory units include: helping with classroom resources and recordkeeping, the care and support of pupils, providing support for learning activities, providing effective support for colleagues.
Career moves: NVQ level 3 Teaching Assistants, CACHE level 3 vocational related qualifications, for example, CTA3, DCE, DPP.
* More information: www.city-and-guilds.co.uk
www.cache.org.uk
www.edexcel.org.uk
www.ou.org.uk
