CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner- Distance Learning Model

The qualification covers a range of early years topics at Level 4, including enabling children to learn, working with families and other professionals and implementing change, as well as specialist areas such as physical activity and nutrition (PANCO) and special educational needs (SENCO).

Learners will acquire and use skills of leadership, mentoring, coaching and reflection as they complete the qualification through work-based learning opportunities

The NCFE CACHE Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner aims to provide professional development opportunities for practitioners working in the early years workforce at Level 3. This qualification will embrace the wealth of experience of the Level 3 early years workforce, and challenge learners in both their daily practice and theoretical understanding. Upon achievement of the qualification, learners will be equipped as an advanced practitioner. The advanced practitioner will use crucial leadership skills to mentor others across all roles and responsibilities in the early years workforce.

There are 5 mandatory units:

Learners must pass all units by presenting a portfolio of evidence

Learners will need to be working, volunteering or on a practical placement as an important part of the assessment process involves evaluating skills in real working situations. We recommend a minimum of 10 hours a week

Learners can undertake this qualification as a distance learning model where learners study independently and are given support, advice and guidance online without the need to attend taught sessions. Alternatively we offer a taught programme of 3 hours per week for 30 weeks. All learners should gain their qualification within 12 months of beginning the programme.

The price includes:

• Highly qualified tutor and assessors
• Level 4 Early Years Worker text book
• Registration and certification
• Postage of certificates

This qualification will prepare learners for study at a higher level, for example a Foundation Degree in Early Years. Although the qualification will not be eligible for UCAS points, it could provide evidence for a personal statement to enable mature students to enter Higher Education.

This qualification provides progression to a Level 5 qualification such as the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children and Young People’s Services (England). It will also prepare learners for further study of early years in higher education.