• Access Duration:  365 Days
• Awarded by: NCFE  CACHE
• Qualification Level:  Level 2
• Qualification Number: 601/3395/8 
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 261
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 350
• Credits: 35

• Understand the stages of child and young person development, including factors and transitions that can influence growth and wellbeing.
• Recognise the importance of effective communication and be able to meet the individual needs, preferences, and choices of children, young people, and colleagues.
• Apply principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion to promote an inclusive, supportive, and safe environment.
• Develop personal skills and knowledge through reflection, professional development, and adherence to role responsibilities.
• Support the health, well-being, and positive development of children and young people through safe practice and evidence-based strategies.
• Understand and apply confidentiality, safeguarding, and legal frameworks to ensure the protection and care of children and young people. 

Want to gain the knowledge and confidence to support children and young people (birth–19) in their learning, wellbeing, and development? The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce gives you practical skills to promote safe, inclusive, and supportive environments, understand child development, and build positive relationships in a variety of care, education, and community settings. 

This course is suitable for individuals in the following roles and for those looking to progress into these roles:

• Early Years Support Workers 
• Teaching Assistants 
• Youth or Family Support Assistants 
• Care and Support Workers in Children’s Settings 
• Community Outreach or Wellbeing Assistants 
• Health and Social Care Trainees 
• Nursery or Playgroup Assistants 
• After-School or Holiday Club Assistants

• Minimum entry age is 16 and above.
• No formal entry requirements are set by the awarding body. 
• To help you take the next step with confidence, please contact our team, who will be happy to assess your qualifications, confirm that this course matches your current level and entry requirements, and help you get started. 

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (6 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (3 months) – perfect for those who can dedicate intensive study time.
• Most learners complete within their chosen timeframe, though some may finish earlier depending on personal circumstances and available study time. We accommodate your pace with unlimited support for 12 months. This Level 2 certificate requires approximately 261 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

To complete the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England), you’ll build a portfolio of evidence that demonstrates your knowledge, understanding, and practical skills in supporting children and young people. This portfolio may include written assignments, reflective accounts, case studies, reports, professional discussions, or project work. Where permitted by the assessment principles, simulation of skills may also be included. All evidence is designed to show that you’ve met the required learning outcomes and assessment criteria for the qualification, in line with Skills for Care and Development assessment principles. 

Internal Assessment and Quality Assurance

All assessments are conducted internally by qualified assessors at South London College. To ensure fairness, consistency, and high standards, Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) checks are carried out throughout the assessment process. 

Assessor Guidance and Support

Our experienced assessors will guide and support you throughout the assessment process. You can reach them via email, WhatsApp, web chat, or online discussions, so expert advice is always at hand. 

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce gives you a strong foundation in understanding child and young person development, promoting wellbeing, and applying practical skills in supervised roles. You’ll learn how to support learning, health, and positive development, while creating safe and inclusive environments that meet individual needs.

Next Steps for a Potential Academic Progression Pathway

• Step 1: Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (England) (Social Care)
• Step 2: Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioners
• Step 3: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services

Alternative Pathways

• Level 2 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing
• Level 2 Diploma for the Early Years Practitioner (England)

Curious about working with children and young people and making a real difference in their lives? The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce gives you the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to support development, promote wellbeing, and create safe, inclusive environments in education, care, and community settings. 

Here are some careers you can pursue as you gain experience and qualifications, along with their average salaries (Source: UK Glassdoor). 

• Early Years Support Workers – £17,000 
• Teaching Assistants – £18,000 
• Youth or Family Support Assistants – £18,000 
• Care and Support Workers in Children’s Settings – £18,000 
• Community Outreach or Wellbeing Assistants – £19,000 

With advanced skills & qualifications, you can also progress to higher-level Functional Skills or vocational qualifications, paving the way to more senior roles and increased earning potential over time. 

The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a non-ministerial government department responsible for regulating qualifications, exams, and assessments in England. Ofqual ensures that all qualifications offered by recognised awarding organisations meet rigorous national standards, giving you confidence that any Ofqual-regulated certificate is high-quality and widely accepted by employers and universities.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the system used in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to standardise qualifications by level and size. Overseen by regulatory bodies such as Ofqual, the RQF ensures qualifications are consistent, transparent, and easily understood by learners, employers, and higher education institutions. All qualifications listed on the RQF are approved and awarded by recognised awarding organisations.