• Access Duration:  1 Year
• Awarded by: Qualifi
• Qualification Level:  Level 4
• Qualification Number: 610/0227/6
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 236
• Total Qualification Time (TQT):400
• Credits: 40

• Analyse the Advanced Practitioner’s responsibilities in leadership, management, mentoring, coaching, staff motivation and well-being.
• Examine international, national and local approaches and research relating to physical activity and healthy eating for children under five.
• Explore the role and responsibilities of the SENCO in early identification and intervention, the Graduated Approach and partnership working with practitioners, families and other professionals.
• Review statutory requirements for partnership working and evaluate strategies for establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with families and other professionals.
• Plan, carry out and evaluate an ethical small-scale research project to implement and assess change within an early years setting.
• Explain current EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements and the legislative requirements relating to health and safety, equality, diversity and inclusion in early years settings.
• Conduct a six-month longitudinal study of a child to determine changing developmental needs and to provide appropriate care.
• Plan, lead and evaluate playtime for babies aged 0-18 months to help them grow in their physical, sensory and communication skills.

The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare is aimed at those working in early years settings who want to become more knowledgeable and skilled at a higher level. This qualification is designed for experienced early years practitioners who want to develop towards Advanced Practitioner responsibilities. You must be aged 18 or over, be employed in an early years setting and already hold a full Level 3 early years or childcare qualification. The qualification develops advanced knowledge and skills in mentoring, coaching, leadership, management and specialist early years practice.

This course is ideal for:

• Early Years Practitioner
• Early Years Educator
• Nursery Practitioner
• Senior Early Years Practitioner
• Nursery Room Leader
• Early Years Supervisor
• Early Years Team Leader  
• Early Years Manager

• You must be aged 18 or over.
• You must hold a full Level 3 qualification in early years or childcare.
• You must be employed in an early years setting

T&C apply

Written and Workplace Assessment: Assessment is through written assignments, a portfolio of evidence and assessed workplace practice. You will demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and practical skills, including through assessed observations where required.

Internal Assessment and Quality Assurance: Your assessments are internally assessed by South London College and externally quality assured by Qualifi.

Grading: The qualification is graded on a Pass/Fail basis.

The Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare is a structured pathway to prepare for further study. It allows you to climb a clear academic ladder towards a full degree or postgraduate qualifications in early childhood studies while you are still working.

Next Steps for a Potential Academic Progression Pathway:

• Step 1: QUALIFI Level 5 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare
• Step 2: Foundation Degree in Early Childhood Studies
• Step 3: BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies

Alternative Pathways:

• Specialist CPD courses in areas such as Safeguarding, SEND, or Play Therapy
• Leadership and management qualifications for early years settings
• Level 5 qualifications in related childcare or education specialisms

A Qualifi Level 4 Diploma in Early Learning and Childcare develops advanced early years knowledge, leadership, mentoring and specialist-practice skills that may support applications for roles with greater responsibility.

Below are some career opportunities you could pursue, with approximate UK salaries (Source: Glassdoor UK)

• Nursery Manager – £35,000
• Senior Early Years Practitioner – £30,000
• Room Leader – £28,000
• Early Years Advanced Practitioner – £27,000
• Nursery Room Leader – £26,500
• Senior Nursery Nurse – £25,000
• Early Years Educator – £26,000

Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, is the regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments in England. It regulates to help ensure that regulated qualifications maintain consistent standards and are trusted by the public. Ofqual regulation sets out the regulatory requirements that recognised awarding organisations and their regulated qualifications must meet.The design of the qualification, assessment requirements and quality-assurance arrangements are the responsibility of the awarding organisation. Approved centres deliver the qualification in accordance with those requirements, while assessment and marking arrangements are determined by the awarding organisation.

For this qualification, Qualifi normally appoints markers and moderators, marks and moderates assignments, agrees the final marks and issues certificates, unless otherwise agreed. The qualification may support progression to further study or relevant employment, depending on the entry requirements of individual education providers and employers.