If you’re looking for a qualifications that will give you an introduction to childcare, our Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People is the ideal course for you.
This qualification is available via distance learning, so you can study flexibly around your other commitments. The course covers a range of topics including child development, play, nutrition and safeguarding. You’ll develop practical skills and knowledge that will be essential in any childcare setting.
This is the ideal starting point if you’re considering a career in childcare, or if you simply want to gain a better understanding of how to care for children and young people.
Course Length: 16 weeks on average
Awarding Body: NCFE (E-certificates upon achievement)
Learning Method(s): Paper materials, online and paper based assessment
There is no prior qualification needed to access this course.
This course is part of our fully funded range of Level 2 courses so is free to the majority of learners – eligibility criteria applies.
Unit 1: Young children’s development
This unit will explore the stages of development of young children from birth to three years. Learn about how positive environments support the development of young children.
Unit 2: The value of play to young children
Learn about the necessity of play to young children’s development as well as demonstrating different play activities suitable for young children from birth to five years old.
Unit 3: Importance of play for early learning
This unit explores the vital importance of creativity and imagination in the development of a child. Learn about how to organise a cooking activity for children as well as the particular importance of books and stories in child development.
Unit 4: Safeguarding the welfare of children and young people
This unit examines legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding the welfare of children and young people (including e-safety). Learn what action to take when children or young people are injured or ill and when complete, gain the ability to recognise emergency procedures as well as how to respond to suspicions that a child or young people has been abused, harmed or bullied.
Unit 5: Use food and nutrition information to plan a healthy diet
This unit will help to build an understanding of how to make healthy and nutritional food choices for children. Develop knowledge of food labels and what to look out for to ensure that children are given a balanced diet.
This is a guide to the eligibility criteria for our funded courses. If you are unsure whether you are eligible, please get in touch with our team and we will be happy to help.
If employed, learners must meet the relevant earnings threshold for their area and course level:
The Level 2 Certificate in Introducing Caring for Children and Young People is a nationally recognised qualification providing an introduction to childcare, child development, and the responsibilities involved in supporting children and young people. Topics include communication, safeguarding, healthy lifestyles, learning through play, and supporting children's wellbeing and development.
The qualification is suitable for anyone interested in working with children and young people, including aspiring nursery practitioners, teaching assistants, childcare workers, foster carers, childminders, and parents wishing to develop a greater understanding of children's development and care needs.
The course is fully funded through the Adult Skills Fund for eligible adults aged 19 and over living in London or Buckinghamshire. London residents must generally earn no more than £14.80 per hour, with Buckinghamshire eligibility linked to National Minimum Wage thresholds. All funding is subject to residency and eligibility checks at enrolment.
The course is delivered through a flexible blended learning model, with online materials supported by a dedicated tutor throughout. Most learners complete the qualification within 10 to 12 weeks, with assessment through an online portfolio of evidence and no formal examinations required.
The qualification supports progression into roles including Nursery Assistant, Childcare Assistant, Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, and Family Support Worker. It also provides a strong foundation for further study including the Level 2 Early Years Practitioner and Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeships.
