Childcare

NCFE CACHE Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings, Level 2

  • Intermediate (Level Two)
  • Full-time
  • Princes Road Campus
  • 1 year
  • Starts 1 September 2026
Students learning together in a Chelmsford College classroom

If you're interested in studying early childhood education courses, this is the course for you. Studying this course will allow you to develop your skills, qualities, and confidence to work in the childcare sector (either early years or primary), or it will help you prepare for your next steps in education if you want to progress to a higher level. The course consists of a range of varied units designed to develop your theoretical and practical skills. Throughout the year, there will be 2 days of work experience per week in a variety of settings which will all help to support your overall understanding and boost your CV.

Although having experience of working with or being around children is not essential, it would be highly advantageous for your study programme.

Qualification

Level 2 NCFE CACHE Certificate in Working with Children in Early Years and Primary Settings 

Study overview

This course is designed to provide you with a basic understanding of childcare and develop your skills in this area. The course consists of 6 units that will develop your theory and practical skills required for childcare. The work experience opportunity will also aid in supporting and developing your knowledge as you’ll gain hands-on experience. This course is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to pursue a career in childcare or enhance their existing skills in this field.

Eligibility

Fully enhanced DBS check and 4 GCSEs at grades 9-3 including English Language and Maths.

Internal learners must have successful completion of current course to meet course entry requirements and meet College expectations regarding attendance and attitude.

Assessment

All units are assessed through coursework.

A minimum of 120 hours placement with professional reflective record.

Fees and funding

  • Uniform of Polo shirts  (approximately £9 each) and Sweatshirt  (approximately £12 each) to be purchased.  
  • Uniform is to be worn in college and at placement 
  • DBS approximately £50 
  • You may be required to purchase course text books which are essential for the completion of your studies.  
  • Enrichment activities throughout the course to be paid for as necessary 
  • 16-18

Employability

On successful completion of this Level 2 course, including your placement experience and maths and English Language grades 4-9, you will be considered for progression onto the T Level in Education and Childcare (Early Years Educator pathway, Level 3) or onto another Level 3 course.

If you’d prefer to go straight into employment, it may be possible to go into employment as a Level 2 practitioner. Additionally, another option (if you have the required English and maths grades) is to look into undertaking an apprenticeship.

Ask a question

careersadvicezone@chelmsford.ac.uk