Qualifications in childcare, early years & play

For people beginning a career in childcare, the Council for Awards in Children's Care and Education (Cache) offers the Foundation Award in Caring for Children, and a Level 1 Award in Getting Started in a Pre-School Setting. These awards offer an introduction to working with children.
Cache also recommends its Level 2 awards for entrants to the early years workforce, as they allow people to work under supervision within numerous children’s services settings. These include certificates in Childcare and Education; Children’s Care, Learning and Development; Pre-School Practice; and Early Years Care and Education. Cache also offers a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 2 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development, a work-based qualification.
City & Guilds also provides entry-level qualifications, such as its Level 3 Certificate in Preparing for Work in the Care Sector. This is primarily aimed at social care professionals, but includes pathways for those who want to work with children under the age of eight. In addition, City & Guilds offers a National Vocational Qualification/Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) at Levels 2, 3 and 4 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development as well as Levels 2 and 3 Technical Certificates in Children’s Care, Learning and Development. The NVQs/SVQs are aimed at anyone in a supporting role up to management level, and the technical certificates are for anyone new to the field.
Alternatively, the Level 2 Certificate in Developing Skills for Working with Children and Young People, offered by the awarding body NCFE, is suitable for a wide range of learners. This provides an opportunity to gain work experience without committing to a specific niche. The NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Developing Skills for Early Years Practice, on the other hand, prepares people to work (under supervision) specifically in a crèche or playgroup environment. This qualification is particularly suitable for assistants and voluntary workers.