NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for Working in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator)

• Understand the professional roles and responsibilities required to work in an early years setting.
• Understand procedures that must be adhered to in the work setting and their importance.
• Understand the role of supervision.
• Understand professional development.
• Use and model good communication skills.
• Explain how the behaviours of an early years educator can impact babies and children and the importance of role-modelling positive behaviours.
• Be confident in supporting or challenging the practice of colleagues.
• Be able to follow procedures in the work setting.
• Be able to foster a culture of mutual support, teamwork and continuous improvement that encourages confidential discussion of sensitive issues.
• Be able to seek out feedback from others and use reflection to identify and support career development and personal goals.

• Understand the expected patterns of babies’ and children’s development from conception to 7 years old.
• Understand key milestones for holistic development.
• Understand the influence of key individuals and the importance of attachments
• Understand the significance of physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing.
• Understand co-regulation and self-regulation in children.
• Understand a range of evidence-based theories and research that underpin early years development and be able to apply these theories in practice.
• Be able to support children in forming positive attachments.

• Know about legislation and guidance for children and young people with SEND
• Understand that there are appropriate strategies for supporting a baby or child with SEND.
• Understand that there are specialist aids, resources and equipment available and be able to use them.
• Explain and apply the early years foundation stage statutory framework.
• Work effectively in partnership with others, including parents and carers.
• Effectively carry out a child’s care plan, with ongoing reviews.
• Analyse and explain how cultural background and circumstances can impact on learning and development.

• Understand the impact of an effective communication and language curriculum that offers positive benefits to development.
• Understand that children develop at their own pace and there are different ways to communicate with every child.
• Develop, support and promote speech, language and communication through effective planned adult interactions.
• Apply a range of communication methods for effective collaborative working.

• Understand the signs of harm and the different types of abuse and what these are.
• Understand legislation, policy and procedure in relation to keeping children safe.
• Be able to recognise when a baby or child is in danger of at rise of abuse (including online) and know how to act to protect them.
• Be able to follow Ofsted’s whistleblowing policy

• Understand legal requirements and statutory guidance on health and safety.
• Understand it is important to ensure equipment, furniture and materials are used safely and the dangers of not doing so.
• Understand the role of policy and procedure in maintaining the health, wellbeing and safety of babies and children.
• Understand that it is important to prevent and control infection.
• Be able to carry out risk assessment and risk management.
• Understand how to maintain accurate and coherent records and reports to share information when appropriate.
• Be able to implement effective strategies for preventing and controlling infection.

• Understand how evidence-based philosophical and pedagogical approaches influence the early years foundation stage.
• Understand that all children and young people are entitled to education which is appropriate to their needs and promotes the fulfilment of their full potential.
• Understand that a carefully planned and sequences curriculum is essential for all children.
• Promote equality of opportunity in the education and care of all children in early years provision.
• Be able to adapt teaching to suit babies’ and children’s different starting points, experience and knowledge.

• Understand the role of assessment in helping parents, carers and educators to recognise children’s progress.
• Understand the role of the early years educator for effective and accurate, proportionate assessment.
• Understand the key stages in assessing children’s progress.
• Be able to carry out assessment effectively, plan and record the outcomes, and share results accurately and confidently.

• Understand theories of play and its fundamental role in learning and development.
• Understand different types of play of play for all children.
• Understand inclusive play practice.
• Be able to plan, lead and evaluate play opportunities in an early years setting.
• Be able to apply theoretical perspectives and philosophical approaches in planning play opportunities.

• Understand the importance of developing and maintaining good relationships and partnerships in an early years setting.
• Understand the significance of parent and carer engagement.
• Understand that Ofsted is responsible for the regulation and inspection of early years provision.
• Be able to work in partnership with parents and carers to help them recognise and value the significant contributions they make.

The minimum placement hours for this qualification is 300 hours. However, it is recommended that learners undertake 350 hours where possible.

You will have up to 18 months to complete this course and undertake 864 guided learning hours.

The course materials can either be emailed online or posted to you as a study pack depending on which you select at enrolment. You will receive your tutor support by email.

All units are internally assessed. This course requires an assessment of your practical skills within your working environment. Methods of assessment could include:

• Direct observation of practice
• Witness evidence when directed by the sector skills assessment strategy
• Professional discussion
• Reflection on own practice in real work situations
• Written assignments

Skills based outcomes must be achieved in a real work environment in an early years setting with the support of a personal mentor.

Your written assignments will be submitted via email to your tutor for marking.

Please note: A placement in an Early Years Setting is needed to cover the required number of hours. A risk assessment will need to be carried out once you are in placement.

Upon successful completion of this course, you will achieve the NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in the Early Years Sector (Early Years Educator), and will be fully qualified to work as an early years educator/practitioner or a nursery nurse.

You will also earn UCAS points once you have successfully completed your course which can be used to support your application to study a related higher education degree.

Successful learners can progress to employment in areas such as:

• Educator in day nurseries
• Educator in nursery schools
• Educator in reception classes in primary schools
• Pre-school worker

Once you have enrolled on your NCFE CACHE course, you will have access to the NCFE CACHE Alumni membership for two years. NCFE CACHE Alumni is a professional membership network for those who work in the care, health, and education industries, providing valuable resources and advice for your studies when working towards/with a NCFE CACHE qualification.