The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Certificate/Diploma in Childcare & Early Years is a
professional qualification for learners who wish to work directly with children
in early years settings or progress into leadership and practitioner roles. The
course develops in-depth knowledge, practical understanding, and reflective skills required to support children’s learning, development, wellbeing, and
safeguarding within professional childcare environments.

Skills Developed:

• Child development and learning theories
• Planning play-based learning activities
• Safeguarding and inclusive practice
• Observation, assessment, and professional communication

Mandatory units

• Introduction to the Role of the Early Years Educator (T/651/1390)
• Holistic Child Development (Y/651/1391)
• Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
  (A/651/1392)
• Effective Communication in an Early Years Setting (D/651/1393)
• Safeguarding and Welfare Requirements (F/651/1394)
• Health, Wellbeing and Safety (H/651/1395)
• Promoting an Effective Early Years Curriculum (J/651/1396)
• Assessment of Children’s Learning and Development (K/651/1397)
• Understanding Play for Learning and Holistic Development (L/651/1398)
• Partnership Working (M/651/1399)

Assessment Methods Include:

• Written assignments
• Assessor observations
• Professional discussions
• Portfolio submissions

Learning Progression Path:

• NCFE CACHE Level 5 Leadership or Management qualifications
• Specialisation in SEND, safeguarding, or early years leadership
• Teacher training or higher education pathways

Career Paths

• Early Years Educator
• Nursery Practitioner
• Preschool Teacher
• Room Leader
• Teaching Assistant
• Childcare Professional
• SEND Assistant