NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner

Course Description

This qualification is designed to support the development of leadership and management skills in early years and the knowledge and skills relating to early years practice.

Who is it suitable for?

It is suitable for learners already working in the early years sector in a managerial role, as well as learners that may wish to develop their career or increase their understanding through professional development.

What are the entry requirements?

Learners must be aged 19 or over to study this qualification. We do not set any other entry requirements, but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.

How is this qualification structured?

This qualification has 18 mandatory units.

How is it assessed?

All units are internally assessed and externally quality assured. Units EYE L5 SP 2 (F/651/1401) and EYE L5 SP 16 (M/651/1415) must be assessed using an externally set and internally marked assessment task.

How many credits are required to complete it?

121 credits.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

To be able to show competence in both knowledge and skills, learners will need to be working in the role of leader, deputy or manager in an appropriate setting, or have the opportunity to carry out responsibilities associated with these roles to be able to study for the Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner. The total number of mandatory work placement hours is a minimum of 300 hours.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

• higher education
• childhood studies
• youth work
• youth and community studies

Career opportunities

• senior early years practitioner within the early years workforce across the private, voluntary and independent sectors
• early years educator
• lead practitioner

Certification Guaranteed

The NCFE CACHE Level 5 Diploma for the Early Years Senior Practitioner is a substantial, Ofqual-regulated qualification (610/4163/4) worth 121 credits and 936 guided learning hours, built from 18 mandatory units covering leadership, safeguarding, child development, and quality provision. It carries a licence to practise and is designed for those already working in a leadership, deputy, or manager role in early years settings (or with access to one), including a minimum of 300 work placement hours. On completion, learners are prepared for roles like senior early years practitioner, early years educator, or lead practitioner, with pathways into higher education, childhood studies, or youth work.