• Access Duration:  1 Year
• Awarded by: NCFE  CACHE
• Qualification Level:  Level 2
• Qualification Number: 603/5862/2
• Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 105
• Total Qualification Time (TQT): 130

• Explain the terms well-being, physical health, and mental health in the early years.
• Explain the link between mental and physical health and its importance for holistic development.
• Identify factors that influence the mental and physical health of a young child.
• Understand the importance of the teaching and learning environment for health.
• Describe what the key person does to help children through the transitions.
• Describe the signs and symptoms of mental health problems in young children.
• Discuss the impact of secure attachment on early childhood mental health and well-being.
• Identify strategies for building resilience for use in an early childhood setting.

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years is aimed at those who want to gain a greater understanding of how to support the emotional health of children from birth to five years of age. This course is ideal if you already work with or volunteer with young children or are interested in working in the early years, health or social care sectors.

This course is ideal for:

• Early Years Practitioners
• Nursery Assistants
• Childminders
• Teaching Assistants
• Volunteers in early years settings
• Parents
• Carers
• Career changers
• CPD seekers in health and social care

• Learners should be aged 16 or above.
• You do not need prior knowledge to enrol in this course.
• You’ll need the appropriate literacy and numeracy skills to meet the learning outcomes and complete the assessments.

• This course can be completed through two flexible study options to suit your lifestyle:
  • Standard Course Plan (4 months) – ideal for learners balancing other commitments.
  • Fast Track Option (2 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 105 guided learning hours.

T&C apply

Internal Assessment: You work is internally assessed by South London College.

Portfolio and Knowledge-Based Assessment: You will need to compile a portfolio of evidence. These evidence include homework, presentations, professional discussions, oral questions and answers, reflective accounts, and other activities that are acceptable for assessment.

Grading: You will get either an ”Achieved” or “Not Yet Achieved”.

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years is a great starting point for people wishing to progress their careers in early childhood, education, health and social care.

Next Steps for a Potential Academic Progression Pathway

• Step 1: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)
• Step 2: NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner
• Step 3: Foundation Degree in Early Years
• Step 4: BA/BSc (Hons) Top-Up Degree in Early Childhood Studies
• Step 5: Postgraduate Qualifications in Early Years Leadership

Alternative Pathways 

• Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Working in the Health Sector.
• Level 3 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health.
• Apprenticeships in Health and Social Care.

The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health in the Early Years provides you with specialist knowledge to help you gain employment in early years settings or associated support roles.

Here are some career opportunities you could pursue as you gain experience and complete this qualification, along with approximate UK salaries. (Source: Glassdoor UK)

• Early Years Practitioner – £26,000
• Nursery Nurse – £25,000
• Teaching Assistant – £24,000
• Nursery Assistant – £23,000
• Childminder – £22,000
• Family Support Worker – £21,000
• Playworker – £20,000

This qualification is regulated by Ofqual, the UK government’s Office for Qualifications and Examinations Regulation. Ofqual regulation ensures that the qualification meets national standards for quality, consistency, and fairness. It means the course content, assessment methods, and learning outcomes are carefully monitored, giving learners confidence that the qualification is credible, well recognised, and supports progression to further study or employment in the UK.

RQF

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is a system used in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales to categorise and regulate qualifications based on their level of difficulty and size. RQF is jointly regulated by England’s regulator Ofqual, Wales DCELLS, and Northern Ireland’s CCEA. The RQF ensures qualifications are standardised, making it easier for learners, employers, and educational institutions to understand the value and level of each qualification. The framework consists of nine levels, from Entry Level to Level 8, with each level indicating the complexity and depth of learning. For a qualification to be recognised as part of the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), it must be created or approved by an awarding body that is acknowledged by one of the government-appointed regulatory bodies.