Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People - Online Qualification
Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People - Online Qualification
The NCFE Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People is a nationally recognised qualification designed to provide learners with a foundational understanding of childcare, education, parenting and babysitting.
The qualification introduces key knowledge areas relating to the care, development and wellbeing of children. It supports learners in exploring the responsibilities involved in caring for children and helps individuals decide whether they would like to pursue a career within the childcare or early years sector.
Learners develop an understanding of children's development, play, safeguarding, parenting responsibilities and the importance of supporting children's learning and wellbeing.
This is a knowledge-based qualification and does not require a work placement or real work environment.
At a Glance
| Qualification Title | NCFE Level 2 Certificate Introducing Caring for Children and Young People |
| Qualification Number (QN) | 600/0336/4 |
| Level | 2 |
| Credit Value | 16 |
| Guided Learning Hours (GLH) | 117 |
| Total Qualification Time (TQT) | 160 |
| Course Duration | Up to 6 months access (self-paced study) |
| Minimum Age | 16 years |
| Awarding Organisation | NCFE |
| Regulation | Ofqual-regulated qualification |
Who Is This Course For?
- ✓Individuals considering a career working with children or young people
- ✓Those interested in early years education or childcare
- ✓Individuals wanting to understand parenting and child development
- ✓Learners seeking an introduction to the childcare sector
- ✓Anyone wishing to gain knowledge to support children in family or community settings
Suitable for both personal development and professional Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
What Will You Learn?
Learners will develop knowledge and understanding of:
- ✓Child development and the stages of growth
- ✓The importance of play in supporting learning and development
- ✓Safeguarding children and promoting their welfare
- ✓Parenting roles and responsibilities
- ✓Health, safety and wellbeing when caring for children
- ✓Supporting children's play and learning activities
- ✓Respecting and valuing children
The qualification explores how children learn, grow and develop and the responsibilities involved in supporting their care and wellbeing.
Course Units
To achieve the qualification, learners must achieve 16 credits, with at least 9 credits at Level 2.
Units may include:
- Safeguarding the Welfare of Children and Young People
- Importance of Play for Early Learning
- Young Children's Development
- The Value of Play to Young Children
- Craft Activities with Young Children
- Accident Prevention and Fire Safety When Babysitting
- Caring for Young Children in a Babysitting Environment
- Rights and Responsibilities in Relation to Parenting
- Parenting and Healthy Lifestyles
- Parenting a Young Baby
- Respecting and Valuing Children
- Children's Play and Leisure Activities in the Community
- Sharing Learning Experiences with Children
Centres may select units to create a programme of study that supports learner interests and progression goals.
How You'll Study
Delivered via independent, self-paced online study through our secure e-portfolio platform:
- ✓All study materials are provided
- ✓Structured learning content aligned to unit outcomes
- ✓Written assignments submitted to evidence competency
- ✓Remote tutor support available throughout the programme
- ✓Flexible study to fit around work and personal commitments
- ✓Agreed submission schedule to support steady progression
Assessment
Assessment method:
- ✓Learners produce a portfolio of evidence
- ✓Assignments must meet all learning outcomes and assessment criteria
- ✓Work is graded Achieved / Not Yet Achieved
- ✓Feedback is provided by a qualified assessor within 7 days of submission
- ✓All assessment evidence must be submitted in English
Internal quality assurance is conducted to ensure assessment decisions are fair, consistent and aligned with awarding organisation requirements.
Entry Requirements
- ✓Learners must be aged 16 or above
- ✓No prior qualifications are required
- ✓A good level of written English is recommended
- ✓Access to a computer, internet connection and basic IT skills is required
Training & Career Progression
Learners may progress to further qualifications within childcare or early years education, such as:
| Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences |
| Level 2 Understanding Safeguarding and Prevent |
| Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Behaviour that Challenges |
| Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health |
| Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce |
| Level 3 Early Years Educator |
| Level 3 Teaching Assistant qualifications |
| Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education |
This qualification supports progression into roles such as Early Years Assistant, Nursery Assistant, Childcare Support Worker and Teaching Assistant (with further study).
It also provides a strong foundation for learners wishing to explore careers working with children and young people.